ct 


tbt  f hwlogtrjt/ 

PRINCETON,  N.  J.  ^ 


PRESENTED  BY 

THE  PRESBYTERIAN  BOARD  OF  PUBLICATION 


T\L 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 
in  2016 


https://archive.org/details/jessiemorrisonorOOmcke 


Mrs.  Morrison  allowed  Jessie  to  place  her  table  under  the  trees,  where 
she  sat  to  sell  her  flowers  to  persons  passing  by.  p.  41 


JESSIE  MORRISON, 


THE  MISSION  FLOWERS. 


V 

HARKIET  B.  McKEEVER. 


^PJilatrclpfita: 

Presbyterian  Board  of  Publication, 
Ho.  821  Chestimt  Street, 


Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1859,  by 
JAMES  DUNLAP,  Treas., 

in  the  Clerk’s  Office  of  the  District  Court  for  the  Eastern  District 
of  Pennsylvania. 


STEREOTYPED  BY 

JESPER  HARDING  & SON, 

INQUIRE  a BUILDING,  SOUTH  THIRD  STREET,  PHILADELPHIA. 


OR 


THE  MISSION  FLOWERS. 

— — 

CHAPTER  I. 

ROSE  COTTAGE. 

Rose  cottage,  what  a pretty  name ! 
Somewhat  hidden  by  green  trees,  it 
stood  in  a sweet,  secluded  spot  at  the 
end  of  a shady  lane. 

It  was  an  humble  dwelling,  situated 
beyond  the  outskirts  of  a large  city, 
but  it  was  the  abode  of  piety  and  peace. 

The  house  was  an  old  fashioned  stone 
building,  with  low  ceilings,  and  small 

(3) 


4 


JESSIE  MORRISON, 


windows,  having  a piazza  stretching 
along  the  front,  with  small  rude  benches 
for  seats. 

A smooth  green  lane,  a row  of  very- 
fine  trees,  which  bordered  the  lane, 
twining  roses  climbing  up  the  posts, 
and  at  the  south  end  of  the  house, 
creeping,  in  their  luxuriance,  almost 
into  the  chamber  windows,  gave  a taste- 
ful air  to  the  rural  spot. 

The  little  homestead  occupied  a space 
of  about  ten  acres  ; the  grounds  nearest 
the  house  were  laid  out  in  beds  and 
paths  filled  with  beautiful  flowers. 

At  the  end  of  the  garden,  stood  a 
green  house ; beyond  lay  a large  veg- 
etable patch,  one  third  of  which  was  as- 
signed for  corn. 

Beyond  this  patch,  stood  the  small 
stable  for  a couple  of  cows  and  a horse ; 
on  the  opposite  side  was  seen  the  neat 


OR  THE  MISSION  FLOWERS. 


5 


little  spring  house,  shaded  by  a fine  old 
oak.  All  the  rest  was  laid  out  in 
orchards  of  rare  fruit  trees. 

A sign  on  one  of  the  trees  at  the 
front,  on  which  was  painted, 

EGBERT  MORRISON,  FLORIST, 

indicated  the  calling  of  the  occupant. 

Perfect  neatness  reigned  every  where. 
Nicely  whitewashed  fences,  clean  gar- 
den paths,  plants  carefully  tied  up,  a 
clean  stable  and  spring  house,  where 
every  milk-pan  was  shining  like  silver, 
all  indicated  that  the  careful  hand  of 
industry  ruled  over  the  pleasant  spot. 
Even  the  dog-house  was  as  neat  as  could 
be,  and  old  Tray  himself  looked  as  if 
he  took  a daily  bath,  so  purely  white 
was  his  shaggy  back. 

The  house  consisted  of  a roomy 

kitchen  covered  with  a new  rag  carpet, 
1 * 


6 


JESSIE  MORRISON, 


where  brilliant  red  and  green  predom- 
inated. On  one  side  of  the  room  stood 
a large  fire  place,  where  a fine  cooking 
stove  was  placed ; at  one  end  a com- 
fortable settee  covered  with  cushions  of 
domestic  manufacture,  offered  a place 
of  repose  for  the  weary  father,  when 
the  day’s  toils  were  over. 

A large  pine  table  scrubbed  as  white 
as  soap  and  sand  could  make  it;  one  of 
smaller  dimensions  with  a green  baize 
cover  which  was  brought  out  on  eve- 
nings when  the  family  assembled  with 
their  work ; a cradle  in  the  corner 
where  baby  crowed  and  played  with 
her  little  bare  feet,  were  also  found  in 
this  snug  little  kitchen.  Added  to 
these,  were  a rocking  chair  for  mother, 
a large  arm  chair  for  father,  a few  plain 
Windsor  chairs,  two  or  three  smaller 
ones,  a dresser  white  as  possible,  on 


OR  THE  MISSION  FLOWERS. 


7 


which  glistened  dishes  and  other  articles 
for  household  uses,  with  drawers  filled 
with  table  cloths  and  towels,  and  un- 
derneath, closets  where  the  cleanest 
pots  and  kettles  might  be  seen  at  any 
time.  On  one  side  of  the  room  hung 
a few  shelves  for  books;  on  the  prin- 
cipal shelf  of  which,  lay  the  time  hon- 
oured family  Bible,  whose  well  worn 
pages  told  that  it  was  notplaced  there  for 
show,  but  for  daily  use.  Several  books 
on  horticulture,  some  children’s  Sabbath- 
school  and  hymn  books,  a number  of 
volumes,  the  lives  of  good  men  and 
women,  the  works  of  Doddridge,  Bun- 
yan,  Legh  Richmond,  and  Hannah 
More,  with  others,  might  lead  one  to 
hope  that  intelligent  piety  dwelt  be- 
neath that  humble  roof. 

The  family  parlour  was  very  plainly, 
but  neatly  furnished ; an  ingrain  carpet, 


8 


JESSIE  MORRISON, 


a neat  sofa  with  a chintz  cover,  some 
cane-seat  chairs,  a book-case  well  filled, 
and  a couple  of  comfortable  rocking 
chairs ; a plain  looking-glass,  a few 
pictures,  green  blinds  to  the  windows, 
and  a few  vases  for  flowers,  completed 
the  simple  furniture. 

A shed  outside  of  the  kitchen  was  suit- 
ably provided  with  articles  for  rough 
work,  where  the  washing  and  ironing 
were  done,  in  order  to  keep  the  kitchen 
neat  as  a sitting  room. 

Above  were  three  plainly  furnished 
sleeping  rooms,  all  covered  with  nice 
rag  carpets,  having  plain  white  muslin 
curtains  shading  the  windows;  above 
were  two  garrets,  where  the  working 
people  slept,  when  busy  seasons  made 
it  necessary  to  hire  a few  hands. 

Robert  Morrison,  the  tenant  of  this 
comfortable  dwelling,  was  a poor  man, 


OR  THE  MISSION  FLOWERS. 


9 


a Scotchman  by  birth ; he  was  a man 
of  sterling  worth  and  piety,  was  well 
educated,  and  united  to  a wife  of  real 
excellence.  In  early  life  he  had  mar- 
ried Mary  McDonald,  a Highland  lass, 
who,  having  been  trained  in  all  the  vir- 
tues of  the  Scotch  peasantry,  was  in- 
dustrious and  economical ; but  most  of 
all,  being  truly  pious,  she  had  proved  a 
great  blessing  to  the  ^mung  man,  who 
had  sought  a home  in  America,  some 
years  after  his  marriage. 

They  had  commenced  life  with  very 
little,  but  the  blessing  of  God  had 
smiled  upon  their  humble  efforts,  and 
Robert  was  now  able  to  rent  the  place 
which  we  have  described;  and  enjoying 
many  of  the  comforts,  but  none  of  the 
luxuries  of  life,  he  was  enabled  to  bring 
up  his  young  family  decently,  in  habits 
of  order,  industry,  and  piety. 


10 


JESSIE  MORRISON, 


His  family  consisted  of  Eflfie,  the 
eldest  daughter ; Alexander,  or  Sandie, 
as  he  was  generally  called,  aged  fifteen; 
Jessie  thirteen,  Robert  ten,  and  Mattie 
the  baby. 

Elfie  had  been  left  at  service,  in  the 
manse  of  her  native  parish,  and  the 
letters  which  they  constantly  received, 
were  very  encouraging  to  the  parents’ 
hearts;  occasionally  they  heard  from 
their  minister,  who  gave  gratifying  ac- 
counts of  her  excellence. 

Sandie,  Jessie,  and  Robert,  were  all 
at  school ; under  the  guidance  of  good 
parents,  they  were  generally  among  the 
most  punctual  and  diligent  of  all  the 
scholars,  not  only  at  the  day-school, 
but  also  at  the  Sunday-school,  which 
was  taught  about  a mile  from  their 
home. 

Though,  by  careful  industry,  the  pa- 


OR  THE  MISSION  FLOWERS.  11 

rents  kept  their  children  neat  and  com- 
fortable, little  was  left  beyond  the 
means  necessary  to  provide  for  their 
daily  wants.  Very  anxious  to  educate 
their  children,  these  wise  parents  kept 
them  longer  at  school  than  was  usual 
among  labouring  people,  as  they  knew 
how  to  value  the  benefits  of  a good 
and  thorough  training  in  early  life. 
Many  called  them  proud,  and  wondered 
why  Sandie  Morrison  was  any  better 
than  their  own  sons,  who  had  to  help 
their  parents  earn  their  living  ; but  the 
father  looked  to  the  future,  and  believed 
that  a few  years,  now,  of  careful  cul- 
ture, though  it  caused  him  to  hire  more 
hands  in  the  busy  season,  was  really 
gain  for  the  future  of  his  dear  son; 
therefore,  with  real  Scotch  indepen- 
dence, he  pursued  his  own  quiet  path 
of  duty. 


12 


JESSIE  MORRISON, 


CHAPTER  II. 

A WINTER  EVENING. 

It  had  snowed  all  day,  the  children 
had  come  in  brimful  of  excitement, 
followed  by  old  Tray,  who  enjoyed  the 
fun  of  a race  in  the  snow,  equally  with 
the  rest. 

“ Down,  Tray  !”  exclaimed  Robert, 
as  the  shaggy  old  dog  was  bounding 
around  the  little  boy,  in  the  excess  of 
his  delight.  While  they  were  shaking 
the  snow  from  their  clothes,  and  knock- 
ing it  off  their  shoes,  the  father  entered, 
his  hat  and  coat  covered  with  snowy 
fleece,  and  his  hands  benumbed  with 
working  in  the  cold. 

“ Here,  father,”  said  Jessie,  “ sit  down 


OR  THE  MISSION  FLOWERS. 


13 


in  your  big  chair,  I’ll  take  off  your 
boots,  and  get  your  nice  warm  socks  ; ' 
let  me  rub  your  hands,  father,  they  look 
so  cold.”  Sandie  put  away  his  hat  and 
over-coat,  Jessie  saw  him  comfortably 
seated  before  a warm  fire,  then  taking 
the  little  chair  by  his  side,  affection- 
ately rubbed  his  coarse  hands.  These 
little  offices  warmed  the  good  man’s 
heart,  as  well  as  his  cold  hands ; and 
something  stood  in  the  corner  of  his 
eye,  which  he  hastily  wiped  away, 
while  he  smiled  kindly  on  his  little 
girl. 

If  children  only  knew  the  precious- 
ness of  kind  words  and  grateful  atten- 
tions to  their  dear  parents,  if  they  only 
knew  what  sw^eet  thrills  of  joy  these 
trifling  acts  send  through  their  hearts, 
they  certainly  would  more  frequently 

seek,  each  in  a happy  home,  to  kindle 
2 


14 


JESSIE  MORRISON, 


up  this  warm  glow  of  parental  and 
filial  love,  and  to  scatter  these  rays  of 
sunshine  around  the  family  hearth. 

It  was  a pretty  picture  of  domestic 
happiness  in  that  lowly  kitchen ; puss 
purred  under  the  stove,  old  Tray 
stretched  himself  out  near  his  master, 
while  Mattie  crowed  and  played  in  the 
cradle. 

The  wind  howled  terribly  around  the 
house,  as  Mr.  Morrison  looked  out  upon 
the  winter  landscape.  ‘‘  Robert,  this  is 
a real  Highland  snow,  drifting  and 
blowing  in  every  direction  ; it  seems  to 
me,  that  we  shall  be  buried  in  it  before 
morning.” 

“ Father,”  said  Sandie,  “ shan’t  we 
go  to  school  to-morrow  in  the  old  sleigh  ? 
It  has  been  so  long  since  we  have  had 
a ride.” 

“Yes,  my  son,  if  the  snow  is  not  too 


OR  THE  MISSION  FLOWERS.  15 

deep,  but  sometimes  sucb  a drifting 
snow  makes  the  banks  too  heavy  to 
plough  through  early  in  the  morning, 
before  the  roads  are  broken.” 

With  a feeling  of  real  comfort,  Mrs. 
Morrison  turned  to  attend  to  her  house- 
hold cares.  Jessie  set  the  table  for 
supper,  while  her  mother  prepared  the 
meal,  baked  some  nice  batter  cakes, 
and  cooked  a substantial  stew  for  her 
wearied  husband. 

Seated  around  the  table,  they  seemed 
a comfortable,  happy  party ; and  with 
feelings  of  real  gratitude,  the  father 
asked  for  a blessing  on  the  humble 
meal. 

Little  Mattie,  seated  in  her  high 
chair,  laughed  and  crowed,  and  patted 
her  little  hands,  pointing  to  many  of 
the  good  things  on  the  table,  which 
mother  did  not  choose  baby  to  have, 


16 


JESSIE  MORRISON, 


SO  she  had  to  be  contented  with  her 
nice  little  porringer  of  bread  and  milk. 

Old  Tray  drew  nearer  to  the  table, 
and  setting  himself  up  in  a begging 
posture,  gave  his  master  many  signals 
of  his  wishes,  by  his  rough  paw  laid 
upon  his  lap,  or  jogging  his  elbow. 
Puss  perched  herself  upon  a chair  near 
to  Jessie,  and  mewed  wishfully  for  her 
share. 

“ Father,”  said  Jessie,  “ I have  been 
thinking  a great  deal  about  last  Sun- 
day.” 

“ Well,  my  child,  what  was  done 
then  ?” 

“ Why,  father,  it  was  the  day  of  our 
Missionary  Meeting,  and  Mr.  Gilbert 
told  us  so  many  beautiful  stories  about 
ways  of  doing  good,  that  I wondered 
what  I could  do.” 

“ Well,  my  daughter,  you  know  the 


OR  THE  MISSION  FLOWERS.  17 

old  saying,  ‘ Where  there’s  a will, 
there’s  a way.”’ 

“ That’s  just  what  Mr,  Gilbert  said. 
Now  I think  that  I have  the  will,  how 
shall  I find  the  way  ? He  told  us  such 
a nice  story  about  ‘ little  Mary  Wood, 
who  did  what  she  could;’  indeed,  father, 
1 felt  so  badly,  when  I saw  that  almost 
all  the  children  had  something  to  hand 
in,  but  I had  nothing.” 

“ God  has  been  very  good  to  us,  my 
child ; we  ought  to  do  something  in 
return  for  him.  Now  I think  of  a plan  ; 
you  and  Sandie  shall  have  a bed  in 
the  garden,  which  you  may  cultivate 
yourselves  ; all  the  flowers  raised  there, 
you  may  sell  on  market-days,  and  do 
what  you  please  with  the  money  ; for  a 
commencement,  you  may  begin  with 
the  first  crocuses,  and  snow-drops,  and 
2* 


18  JESSIE  MORRISON, 

we  will  call  the  bed,  ‘ Missionary 
Flowers.’  ” 

Thank  you,  dear  father,”  said 
Jessie,  as  she  threw  her  arms  around 
his  neck,  and  kissed  him,  “ that  will 
be  delightful.  I know  that  we  shall 
make  a great  deal  of  money;  part  of  it 
shall  help  you  too.  I think  that  if  we 
are  industrious,  and  take  good  care  of  our 
garden,  the  money  will  buy  all  our 
shoes,  and  still  have  a great  deal  for 
the  Missionary  box.” 

‘‘  I will  tell  you  how  to  manage  your 
flowers,  Jessie.  I have  many  seeds  to 
give  you;  there  are  already  many 
bulbous  roots  in  the  bed,  which  will  be 
among  the  first  flowers ; the  seeds  we  will 
plant  early  in  the  green  house,  and  set 
them  out  in  the  spring  as  soon  as  it  is 
perfectly  safe.” 

“ Oh ! father,  I wish  spring  would 


OR  THE  MISSION  FLOWERS.  19 

come ; let  us  see ; how  long  must  we 
wait  ? This  is  January ; when  will  the 
crocuses  and  snow-drops  appear  ?” 

“ I think  we  generally  have  them  in 
March.” 

Perfectly  delighted,  the  children  kept 
on  chatting  about  their  new  plan,  with 
all  the  enthusiasm  of  warm  young 
hearts.  Little  Robert  sat  thoughtfully 
listening  to  all  their  talk ; at  last  draw- 
ing near  to  his  father,  he  looked  up 
wistfully  in  his  face,  and  said, 

“ Father,  I must  do  something  too. 
You  know  I have  a pair  of  pet  pigeons ; 
they  have  always  been  my  pets,  my 
playthings ; but  now  I mean  to  raise 
their  young  ones,  and  take  them  to 
market  too,  if  you  will  let  me.” 

“You  shall  do  so,  my  little  boy.  I 
will  find  the  corn,  and  I dare  say  that 


20  JESSIE  MORRISON, 

you  will  make  a great  deal  of  money 
for  the  Lord’s  treasury.” 

“Now,  Tray,”  said  Jessie,  “do  you 
know,  sir,  that  we  are  going  to  have  a 
beautiful  garden?  and  I tell  you  what 
it  is,  sir,  you  had  better  not  run  over 
it  with  your  heavy  paws ; and,  pussy, 
don’t  let  me  see  you  scratching  round 
the  plants,  and  biting  the  flowers.  I 
should  not  like  to  pull  your  teeth,  and 
cut  your  claws,  but,  pussy.  I’ll  have  to 
punish  you,  if  you  spoil  my  flowers 
and  thus  the  excited  little  girl  con- 
tinued to  talk,  until  the  signal  for  fam- 
ily worship;  when  the  large  Bible  was 
brought  out,  the  hymn  books  distrib- 
uted, and  the  happy  family  commended 
to  the  care  of  their  kind  heavenly 
Father;  the  children’s  plan  of  bene- 
volence was  especial brought  before 


OR  THE  MISSION  FLOWERS.  21 

the  Lord,  and  his  blessing  invoked 
upon  the  undertaking. 

They  retired  with  their  heads  full  of 
the  new  scheme. 

“We  shall  have  hyacinths  and  tu- 
lips, jonquils  and  daisies,  violets,  hearts- 
ease, and  sweet  lilies  of  the  valley ; 
then  we  shall  have  roses  and  phlox, 
petunias,  pinks,  china-asters,  ladies-slip- 
pers, mignonette,  heliotrope,  and  ger- 
aniums. Oh  ! how  I wish  spring  would 
come  !”  said  Jessie,  as  she  fell  asleep, 
and  dreamed  of  flowers. 

Next  morning  she  had  nearly  for- 
gotten her  daily  work,  which  her  mo- 
ther had  appointed  her  ; her  little  head 
was  almost  turned. 

“ My  child,”  said  her  wise  mother, 
“you  must  not  allow  yourself  to  be  so 
much  excited ; you  have  forgotten  to 
dress  your  little  sister.  I do  not  think 


22 


JESSIE  MORRISON, 


that  you  have  looked  at  your  lessons 
once  this  morning;  you  have  done  noth- 
ing but  talk  to  yourself  ever  since  you 
first  arose ; if  a plan  intended  for  good 
is  allowed  to  make  you  so  negligent,  it 
must  be  given  up.” 

“ Forgive  me,  mother,”  said  the  im- 
pulsive child ; “ I will  try  to  do  better, 
and  wait  patiently  for  God  to  send  the 
pleasant  spring.” 

When  they  looked  out  upon  the  road 
in  the  morning,  the  children  found  that 
the  ox-carts  were  busily  engaged  in 
breaking  up  the  snow,  and  their  father 
bade  them  prepare  for  a ride  to  school. 
JMuffled  in  their  warmest  winter  gar- 
ments, with  joyful  hearts,  followed  by 
old  Tray,  they  started  off  in  the  old 
sleigh. 

The  sound  of  the  bells,  and  the  cold, 
frosty  morning,  exhilarated  their  spirits, 


OR  THE  MISSION  FLOWERS.  23 

and  pleasantly  talking  about  their  bed 
of  flowers,  they  enjoyed  their  winter 
ride. 

Ploughing  wearily  through  the  snow- 
drifts, they  perceived  little  John  and 
Mary  Simpson,  very  poor  children, 
who  went  to  the  same  school  that  they 
attended.  Mary  was  a very  little  girl, 
and  seemed  to  walk  with  great  diffi- 
culty. 

“ Good  morning,  Mary,”  said  Jessie, 
“ don’t  you  find  it  hard  to  get  along  ?” 
The  poor  child  turned  her  face  to 
Jessie,  who  perceived  that  tears  were 
streaming  down  her  purple  cheeks. 

“ I am  very  cold,  Jessie,  for  I have 
no  stockings  on  my  feet.” 

“ Father,”  said  the  kind  child,  “ shall 
we  not  take  them  into  our  sleigh  ?” 

“ To  be  sure,”  answered  Mr.  Mor- 
rison; ‘‘come  in,  children,  we  can  make 


24  JESSIE  MORRISON, 

room  for  you;”  and  in  they  jumped. 
Jessie  saw  that  poor  little  Mary’s  feet 
were  purple  with  the  cold,  and  from 
the  way  in  which  she  complained,  she 
feared  that  they  were  frost-bitten ; 
moreover,  she  had  on  a threadbare 
blanket  shawl,  and  a thin  calico  dress. 
J ohn  was  not  much  better  off.  Without 
stockings,  .and  with  thin,  worn-out 
clothes,  he  also  seemed  a suffering  child. 

Jessie  remembered  her  mother’s 
closet  of  old  clothes,  kept  carefully 
mended  for  those  poorer  than  herself. 
She  thought  of  a warm  winter  hood, 
some  comfortable  stockings,  and  an  old 
cloak  of  her  mother’s,  which  had  been 
altered  for  some  child.  Her  kind  heart 
was  full  of  the  good  which  she  hoped 
to  do  to  the  little  children. 

Sit  close  to  me,”  said  Jessie,  as 
she  hugged  up  the  little  shivering  thing. 


OR  THE  MISSION  FLOWERS.  25 

and  covered  her  under  her  own  warm 
blanket-shawl. 

That  was  a pleasant  morning  ride, 
and  when  they  drove  up  to  the  school- 
room door,  Jessie’s  cheeks  glowed  not 
more  brightly  from  the  cold  frosty  air, 
and  cheerful  drive,  than  from  the 
warm  glow  which  welled  up  from  a lov- 
ing heart. 

Some  naughty,  envious  children 
laughed  at  the  humble  party,  as  they 
sprang  out  of  the  sleigh.  “What  a 
splendid  turn  out ! and  what  grand 
company ! Where  did  you  pick  up 
those  beggars  ?”  But  Sandie  and  Jessie 
did  not  mind  their  silly  talk ; they  were 
too  glad  to  have  made  the  poor  shiver- 
ing children  happy  for  one  morning; 
and  those  cruel  words  fell  upon  hearts 
too  full  of  kind  thoughts  just  then,  to 


26  JESSIE  MORRISON, 

have  any  room  for  anger,  spite,  or 
revenge. 

When  they  drove  back  from  school, 
they  took  the  children  home,  and  Jessie 
did  not  rest  quietly  with  kind  words 
and  good  intentions,  but  saw  that  both 
were  provided  with  warm  stockings; 
Mary  with  a good  cloak  and  hood,  and 
John  with  warm  clothes  for  winter. 
There  was  a will  in  Mrs.  Morrison’s 
heart  to  do  good,  and  she  was  also  sure 
to  find  many  ways,  even  with  her  slen- 
der means. 

“ Mother,”  said  Jessie,  “ when  I saw 
you  throw  aside  Sandie’s  old  clothes, 
I never  thought  that  they  would  do 
any  body  good,  but  you  have  patched 
and  cleaned  them  so  nicely,  that  really 
they  look  quite  decent  on  poor  little 
John ; and  it  did  my  heart  good  to  see 
the  nice  hood,  which  you  have  made 


OR  THE  MISSION  FLOWERS.  27 

out  of  my  poor  old  skirt,  and  I was  so 
glad  to  see  the  bright  little  face  that 
sparkled  underneath.  Mother,  it  takes 
a very  little  to  make  us  happy.  Isn’t 
it  a pleasant  thing  to  do  good  ?” 


28 


JESSIE  MORRISON, 


CHAPTER  III. 

SPRING  FLOWERS  AND  BUDS  OF  PIETY. 

My  children,”  said  the  mother,  “ you 
seem  greatly  interested  in  your  mis- 
sionary plan  ; do  you  ever  ask  what  is 
the  reason  that  you  feel  so  anxious 
about  it?” 

“ Why  mother,”  said  Sandie,  blush- 
ing, “to  tell  the  truth,  I suppose  that 
I don’t  want  the  other  scholars  to  bring 
more  money  than  I ; and  then  I guess, 
sometimes  I have  felt  ashamed  to  let 
it  be  known  how  poor  we  are,  and  then 
if  I take  as  much  money  as  the  rest, 
they  will  never  know  how  I got  it.” 

“ These  are  not  right  notions  in  the 
sight  of  God,  Sandie ; all  must  be  done 


OR  THE  MISSION  FLOWERS.  29 

from  love  to  Jesus,  or  else  it  will  not 
be  a pleasant  offering  to  your  heavenly 
Father.” 

“ How  is  it  with  you,  Jessie?” 
“When  I first  began  to  think  about 
it,  I fear  that  my  reasons  were  no 
better  than  my  brother’s ; but,  mother, 
every  day,  I think  more  and  more  of 
my  own  sins.  I have  wondered  if  it 
is  exactly  right  to  be  thinking  and 
working  for  the  heathen,  while  my 
own  heart  needs  the  gift  of  the  Holy 
Ghost;  and  then, mother,  I think  more 
of  my  Saviour ; I pray  to  him  to  take 
my  heart  and  make  it  all  his  own. 
Sometimes,  mother,  I feel  as  if  I 
could  do  anything  for  him,  and  think 
how  sweet  it  will  be  to  take  the  lovely 
flowers  which  he  has  made,  and  use 
them  in  his  service.” 

A tear  glistened  in  the  mother’s  eye, 


30  JESSIE  MORRISON, 

as  she  listened  to  this  artless  story, 
and  hailed  the  little  germ  of  youthful 
piety,  putting  out  its  first  green  shoot. 
She  took  Jessie  alone,  and  bowing 
before  the  mercy-seat,  prayed  most 
earnestly,  that  the  tender  bud  might 
open,  and  produce  the  full  blown  flower 
of  devotedness  to  God. 

Jessie  continued  to  manifest  much 
interest  in  missions.  She  read  all  the 
little  Sunday-school  papers,  and  child- 
ish books,  wfliich  described  the  con- 
dition of  the  heathen,  or  the  labours  of 
missionaries  in  foreign  lands. 

Sometimes  her  thoughts  would  travel 
far  away  to  India,  and  she  would 
weep  over  the  little  children  sacrificed 
in  the  river  Ganges ; then  again  to 
China,  and  occasionally,  she  would  won- 
der what  her  own  lot  in  life  would  be, 
and  whether  she  might  not  at  some 


OR  THE  MISSION  FLOWERS. 


31 


future  day  become  a missionary,  but 
these  were  scarcely  whispered  thoughts. 
Meanwhile,  her  young  heart  was  really 
touched  with  love  to  her  Redeemer. 
She  was  very  earnest  and  faithful  in 
her  hours  of  devotion,  and  gave  evi- 
dence, by  her  daily  life  of  humble  piety, 
that  she  had,  indeed,  been  with  Jesus, 
and  learned  of  him,  the  great  Teacher, 
holy  lessons  of  humility  and  love. 

Winter  was  rapidly  speeding  by,  the 
snow  lay  long  upon  the  ground,  the 
children  began  to  watch  anxiously  for 
its  melting,  for  then  they  expected  to 
see  the  bright-eyed  crocus,  and  the 
pure  snow-drop,  and  like  eager  child- 
hood, they  watched  for  their  first  visit 
to  market. 

“ Oh ! Sandie,  come  here,”  cried 
Jessie,  one  morning  in  March,  “here 
is  the  first  snow-drop and  sure  enough, 


32  JESSIE  MORWSON, 

there  peeped  up  through  the  white 
snow,  the  delicate  green  shoots  of  the 
sweet  harbinger  of  spring.  Their  first 
visit  every  morning  was  to  their  gar- 
den, where  they  anxiously  watched 
for  the  dawning  of  the  smiling-eyed 
crocus. 

One  Saturday  morning,  early,  what 
was  their  delight  to  see  a beautiful  bed 
of  those  delicate  spring  flowers,  the 
pure  snow-drop,  the  white,  the  lilac,  and 
pale-yellow  crocus,  all  smiling  on  them 
so  brightly  on  the  still  chilly  spring 
morning  ! 

“ Look,  father,  at  our  beautiful 
flowers,”  said  Jessie;  “shall  we  go  to 
market  to  day  ?” 

“ Get  ready,  my  children,  arrange 
your  bouquets,  and  we  will  offer  your 
flowers.  I hope  that  you  may  be  suc- 
cessful.” 


OR  THE  MISSION  FLOWERS.  33 

“ I know  we  shall,”  said  Jessie,  with 
a bright  smile,  “ for  I have  constantly 
prayed  for  God’s  blessing,  and  he  has 
promised  to  answer  even  children’s 
prayers.” 

The  father  laid  his  hand  upon  her 
head,  and  blessed  his  child. 

“What  must  we  ask,  father?”  said 
Sandie. 

“ I think  eight  cents  a bunch  would 
be  sufficient.” 

As  soon  as  the  neat  market  wagon 
was  brought  up  to  the  door,  Sandie 
and  Jessie,  neatly  clad,  with  their  little 
basket  of  twenty  bouquets,  stepped  in, 
full  of  joyous  anticipations.  The  mo- 
ther stood  smiling  at  the  door,  and 
little  Robert  called  out,  “My  turn  will 
come  as  soon  as  I have  young  pigeons. 
I hope  that  you  will  sell  all  your 
flowers.” 


34 


JESSIE  MORRISON, 


Good  bye,  children,”  said  the  mo- 
ther. “ God  bless  you,  darlings.” 

“ What  do  you  think,  Sandie?”  said 
Jessie.  “Do  you  expect  any  one  to 
buy  our  flowers  ?” 

“ To  be  sure  I do,  Jessie  ; you  know 
the  first  spring  flowers  are  always  so 
welcome.” 

“ If  we  sell  all,  we  shall  have  one 
dollar  and  sixty  cents.  We  will  put 
one  dollar  aside  for  missions,  and  the 
rest  in  a fund  to  help  father.  We 
know  how  much  good  even  a dollar 
may  do.” 

“We  have  a good  father,  Jessie, 
and  I think  that  it  will  please  God  for 
us  to  help  him.  You  know  that  the 
commandment  says,  ‘ Honour  thy  father 
and  thy  mother,  that  thy  days  may  he 
long  in  the  land  which  the  Lord  thy 
God  giveth  thee.’  My  Sunday-school 


OR  THE  MISSION  FLOWERS.  35 

teacher  says,  that  means,  that  God 
will  give  special  blessings  to  good,  obe- 
dient children  in  this  world,  and  if  they 
obey  for  the  sake  of  pleasing  God,  in, 
the  world  to  come,  life  everlasting.” 

So  they  continued  chatting,  until  the 
wagon  stopped  at  the  market.  Soon, 
all  the  produce  was  taken  out,  and  ar- 
ranged upon  the  stall  belonging  to  Mr. 
Morrison, 

The  flowers  were  stood  in  two  large 
basins  of  water,  which  the  children 
had  brought  with  them. 

Anxiously  they  watched  the  people 
as  they  passed  ; several  stopped  to  look 
at,  and  admire  the  fresh  flowers,  but 
for  some  time  no  one  purchased. 

At  last,  a pleasant  looking  lady, 
attracted  by  Jessie’s  sweet,  modest 
face,  and  the  lovely  flowers  she  was 
tending,  drew  near,  and  asked  the 


36 


JESSIE  MORRISON, 


price.  When  told,  she  replied,  “ These 
are  just  what  I want  for  my  sick 
daughter.  She  has  been  sick  for  many 
months,  and  really  longs  for  the  sight 
of  spring  flowers.  Give  me  two  bunch- 
es and  taking  them,  paid  to  the 
delighted  children,  the  amount  of  their 
first  sale.  Jessie  smiled  at  the  silver, 
as  she  jingled  it  in  her  hand,  and  then 
deposited  it  in  her  little  purse. 

Next,  came  a little  girl.  “Oh!  what 
a sweet  bouquet ! What  do  you  ask  for 
your  flowers  ?”  On  being  told,  she 
took  a bunch,  paying  for  them,  and 
saying,  “ These  are  for  my  mother ; it 
will  be  such  a surprise ; she  does  not 
know  that  flowers  have  come  yet,”  and 
away  she  tri];)ped,  with  her  gift  of  love. 

Then  came  the  keeper  of  an  ice- 
cream saloon,  wishing  seA^eral  to  dec- 
orate his  rooms ; he  purchased  six 


OR  THE  MISSION  FLOWERS.  37 

bunches.  Jessie  was  in  high  spirits. 
“ Father,  see  how  fast  we  are  selling ; 
I think  we  shall  part  with  all.” 

For  a while,  several  passed  by.  At 
last,  Jessie’s  Sunday-school  teacher, 
Miss  Ross,  stopped  at  the  stall. 

Come,  look  at  my  flowers.  Miss 
Ross,”  said  Jessie ; “ do  you  know  what 
we  call  them  ? Missionary  flowers.” 

“ And  why,  my  dear  ?” 

When  Jessie  told  her  artless  story, 
Miss  Ross  took  two  bunches,  and  bade 
her  God-speed  in  her  work  of  love. 

Soon  several  ladies  called,  sent  b}'’ 
her  kind  teacher,  and  by  the  time 
market  was  over,  all  the  flowers  were 
sold,  and  the  children  went  home,  the 
delighted  owners  of  one  dollar  and 
sixty  cents. 

“ See,  mother,  look  at  our  purse,” 
said  Jessie,  “ we  have  sold  all  our 

4 


38 


JESSIE  MORRISON, 


pretty  flowers ; now,  where  shall  we  put 
our  money  ?” 

Mr.  Morrison  gave  them  two  boxes, 
with  a lock  and  key.  In  one  they 
placed  one  dollar  for  missions,  and  in 
the  other,  sixty  cents  for  shoes. 

When  Jessie  retired  to  her  bed  that 
night,  she  was  a happy  child,  and 
thanked  her  heavenly  Father  for  the 
success  which  he  had  given  her. 


OR  THE  MISSION  FLOWERS.  39 


CHAPTER  IV. 

THE  FIRST  OFFERING. 

Warmed  by  the  sun,  which  daily 
became  more  powerful,  the  seeds  which 
had  been  planted  began  to  sprout ; and 
the  daily  walk  of  little  J essie  gave  evi- 
dence that  the  blessed  Spirit  was  also 
ripening,  in  her  young  heart,  the  fruits 
of  holiness. 

“ Sandie,  what  are  these  plants  just 
beginning  to  show  their  green  leaves  ?” 
“ I think,  sister,  that  they  look  like 
hyacinths ; but  it  will  be  some  time 
before  we  have  any  flowers.” 

“ How  good  God  is,  Sandie ! He  has 
not  only  given  us  plenty  to  eat,  but 
he  makes  the  flowers  smile  upon  us, 


40 


JESSIE  MORRISON, 


though  we  are  so  sinful  and  ungrateful. 
You  know,  Saudie,  that  he  need  not 
have  made  any  at  all,  but  they  must 
be  sent,  just  to  ])lease  us.  I often 
think  how  strange  it  is,  that  we  do  not 
all  love  God,  he  has  done  so  much  for 
us.  Sandie,  do  }mu  never  think  of 
heaven?  If  this  world  is  so  beautiful, 
even  where  there  is  so  much  sin,  what 
must  that  world  be  Avhere  all  are  holy  !” 

And  thus  the  sweet  flowers  preached 
to  the  children  lessons  of  peace  and 
love. 

All  the  time  not  devoted  to  labour, 
or  study,  was  spent  in  the  garden ; up 
in  the  morning  early,  they  were  busily 
occupied  in  setting  out  their  }mung 
plants  in  one  part  of  their  flower  bed, 
and  in  keeping  them  clear  of  weeds  ; 
soon  the  most  lovely  of  the  spring  flowers 
gladdened  their  eyes : hyacinths  of 


OR  THE  MISSION  FLOWERS.  41 

every  hue,  tulips  of  richest  dye,  pure 
lilies  of  the  valley,  modest,  fragrant 
violets,  jonquils,  daffodils,  and  blue- 
bells, rewarded  their  pleasant  toil. 

Now  the  flowers  were  so  abundant, 
that  once  a week  Avas  not  sufficient  to 
dispose  of  them;  consequently,  as  their 
house  stood  by  the  side  of  the  road, 
where  many  citizens  passed  in  their 
afternoon  rides,  Mrs.  Morrison  allowed 
Jessie  to  pluck  her  bouquets,  and  after 
school  to  place  her  table  under  the  trees, 
where  she  sat  to  sell  her  flowers  to  per- 
sons passing  by,  or  to  others,  who 
came  to  obtain  plants  from  her  father 
to  set  out  in  their  gardens. 

She  was  a pleasant,  attractive  little 
girl,  with  her  simple  straw  hat,  decor- 
ated with  a wreath  of  flowers.  The 
fame  of  her  pretty  bouquets,  and  the 


42 


JESSIE  MORRISON, 


story  of  her  plan  for  aiding  the  Lord’s 
cause,  drew  many  to  patronize  her. 

Some  of  her  hyacinths  were  in  pots, 
others  were  arranged  in  bunches,  and 
mixed  with  a variety  of  spring  flowers 
were  purchased  in  large  quantities. 

Not  wishing  to  be  idle,  she  occupied 
herself  with  sewing;  and  frequently 
ladies  stopped  at  the  humble  dwelling,  to 
purchase  from  the  interesting  little  girl. 

Among  those  who  came  most  fre- 
quently, was  the  lady  with  the  sick 
daughter,  and  as  the  weather  became 
more  mild  and  inviting,  frequently  the 
invalid  accompanied  her  mother  in  her 
rides.  The  family  soon  became  inter- 
ested in  the  sick  stranger,  for  it  was 
very  evident  that  she  was  the  victim 
of  consumption,  and  was  rapidly  hasten- 
ing to  a better  world  ; for  Mary  Thorn- 
ton was  a Christian. 


OR  THE  MISSION  FLOWERS.  43 

Mrs.  Morrison  always  had  a nice  glass 
of  new  milk  ready  for  the  invalid,  or  a 
saucer  of  strawberries,  of  which  she 
was  very  fond. 

Mrs.  Thornton  became  well  acquaint- 
ed with  the  family,  and  deeply  in- 
terested in  Jessie  Morrison;  she  found 
her  to  be  pious,  and  far  more  intelligent 
than  children  of  her  class  generally ; 
she  soon  discovered  her  thirst  for 
knowledge,  and  desire  to  do  good. 

She  furnished  her  with  suitable  books 
for  reading,  and  on  talking  with  the 
little  girl,  it  was  evident  to  Mrs. 
Thornton,  that  the  Lord  designed  her 
for  something  more  than  Providence 
had  yet  made  known ; and  the  kind  lady 
sought  to  know  his  will,  for  she  w'as 
wealthy,  and  delighted  in  works  of 
benevolence. 

The  children  prospered,  their  after- 


44 


JESSIE  MORRISON, 


noon  sales  amounted  to  about  one 
dollar  daily,  and  on  Saturdays,  they 
frequently  brought  home  two  or  three 
dollars,  for  Robert  was  now  taking  his 
young  pigeons  to  market,  and  adding 
to  their  stock. 

At  the  close  of  the  first  month,  they 
had  made  fifteen  dollars  ; five  were  put 
aside  for  shoes,  and  ten  were  placed  in 
their  Missionary  box,  on  which  was 
painted  “ Missionary  flowers.” 

The  day  at  last  arrived  for  their 
monthly  meeting  at  the  Sunday-school ; 
Sandy  and  Jessie  folded  their  two  five 
dollar  gold  pieces,  in  separate  envelopes, 
with  the  mottoes,  “ Missionary  flowers,” 
on  each,  and  “from  Sandie  Morrison” 
on  one,  from  “Jessie  Morrison”  on 
the  other.  ' 

When  Mr.  Gilbert  received  the  pro- 
ceeds of  the  several  classes,  Jessie 


OR  THE  MISSION  FLOWERS.  45 

modestly  walked  up  to  the  desk,  and 
presented  her  first  otTering  to  the  Lord. 
Her  good  pastor  was  greatly  pleased, 
and  took  private  opportunity  to  ask 
what  the  motto  meant.  Anxious  to  en- 
courage the  pious  efforts  of  the  little 
girl,  he  spoke  of  her  flowers  to  many 
members  of  the  flock,  and  thus  secured 
a large  amount  of  patronage. 

June  glowed  with  beauty ; roses  of 
every  description  adorned  the  garden 
of  Mr.  Morrison,  and  even  the  children 
had  a large  supply  to  meet  the  daily 
demands. 

There  was  to  be  a Floral  Fair  for 
the  benefit  of  the  Sunday-school,  and 
many  obtained  their  flowers  from  the 
children  to  present  to  the  fair. 

Jessie  was  very  happy  in  the  con- 
sciousness, that  even  she,  feeble  child 


46  JESSIE  MORRISON, 

that  she  was,  could  do  something  for 
the  Lord. 

She  had  never  known  so  much  happi- 
ness before,  even  when  receiving  gifts, 
and  thus  had  learned  the  holy  lesson, 
that  “it  is  more  blessed  to  give  than 
to  receive.” 


OR  THE  MISSION  FLOWERS.  47 


CHAPTER  V. 

A VOICE  IN  Jessie’s  heart. 

One  morning  early,  the  children 
started  for  their  regular  occupation ; 
while  the  dew  lay  heavily  upon  the 
ground,  they  generally  hoed,  and  weed- 
ed the;r  garden.  On  this  occasion, 
joyful  were  the  bursts  of  delight,  with 
which  Jessie  called  her  brother  to  look 
at  the  beauty  which  met  her  gaze. 

“0  Sandie,  look  at  the  roses.  How 
lovely  that  moss  rose-bud  is  ! how  they 
all  seem  to  smile  upon  us ! Brother, 
the  Bible  tells  us  that  we  are  living  in 
a world,  where  even  the  ground  is 
cursed  on  account  of  man’s  sin.  I 
have  often  thought  if  a world  under 


48 


JESSIE  MORRISON, 


God’s  wrath  is  so  beautiful,  what  will 
it  be  in  the  days  of  the  millennium, 
when  the  curse  will  be  removed.” 

“ Jessie,”  said  her  brother,  “ I won- 
der if  we  shall  live  to  see  the  day 
when  ‘righteousness  shall  cover  the 
whole  earth.’” 

“ Brother,  I never  feel  so  happy  as 
when  I am  among  the  flowers,  and  then 
it  is  so  pleasant  to  help  father  by  our 
work,  and  to  make  some  money  for  the 
cause  of  the  Lord  Jesus.  Brother,  I 
want  to  tell  you  a great  secret,”  and 
Jessie  drew  nearer  to  Sandie,  and 
began  to  whisper,  “ I feel  that  I love 
Jesus  Christ,  and  the  other  day,  when 
the  good  Missionary  visited  our  Sun- 
day-school, and  asked,  ‘Who  will  follow 
me  to  China  ?’  I felt  as  if  I could  say, 
‘ Lord,  when  I am  old  enough,  send  me,’ 
and,  brother,  I was  afraid  it  was  a proud 


OR  THE  MISSION  FLOWERS.  49 

thought,  and  I could  not  help  blushing 
for  fear  somebody  should  read  what 
was  in  my  heart;  and  I am  almost 
afraid  to  tell  you,  Sandie,  I feel  that  I 
am  such  a weak,  sinful  creature ; but 
indeed,  it  seemed  like  the  voice  of  God 
speaking  in  my  heart ; if  it  was,  it  will 
come  again,  and  God  will  make  it  all 
plain,  but  don’t  say  anything  about  it, 
for  fear  that  it  may  be  a proud  thought.” 
“ Sister,  what  a blessing  these  flowers 
have  been  to  us ! I do  not  think  that 
we  cared  half  so  much  about  doing 
good,  and  serving  the  Lord  Jesus,  as 
we  have  since  we  found  that  we  could 
do  so  much  by  raising  these  sweet 
flowers.” 

‘‘  Sandie,  they  seem  just  like  friends 
to  me.  I love  them  as  if  they  could 
talk,  and  indeed,  they  do  talk  to  me 

a great  deal  about  the  power  and 
5 


50 


JESSIE  MORRISON, 


goodness  and  love  of  our  heavenly 
Father;  why,  do  you  know,  Sandie, 
that  sometimes  I find  myself  bidding 
them  ‘ good  morning,’  and  I often  kiss 
the  sweet  buds  ?” 

By  the  next  month  they  had  twenty 
dollars  to  offer,  for  little  Robert’s 
monthly  sale  of  his  pigeons,  was  four 
dollars,  and  Sandie  and  Jessie  eight 
each,  besides  six  dollars  placed  in  the 
box  entitled,  “ a help  for  father.” 

The  time  of  their  communion  ap- 
proached ; among  the  applicants  for 
admission  with  their  parents’^consent, 
were  Sandie  and  Jessie  Morrison. 

Mr.  Gilbert  was  very  particular  in 
his  examination,  and  having  made  dili- 
gent inquiries  at  home,  and  of  their 
teachers  both  in  the  Sabbath  and  day- 
school,  was  so  well  satisfied  by  the 
reports  which  he  heard,  and  their  own 


OR  THE  MISSION  FLOWERS.  51 

simple  accounts  of  God’s  dealings  with 
their  souls,  that  he  received  them  into 
the  church  as  real,  though  youthful, 
disciples  of  the  Lord  Jesus.  Sandie’s 
evidences  were  not  so  marked  as  his 
sister’s,  but  there  could  be  no  doubt, 
that,  according  to  his  knowledge,  he  was 
sincere  in  his  professions  of  love  and 
trust  in  his  Saviour. 

It  was  a blessed  family  who  gathered 
on  that  Sabbath  morning  around  the 
domestic  altar,  where  the  deeply  grate- 
ful father  poured  out  a heart-warm 
prayer  for  the  dear  children,  who  would 
that  day  profess  to  be  on  the  Lord’s 
side. 

Sandie  and  Jessie  seemed  to  regard 
the  act  with  deep  solemnity,  and  when, 
with  their  dear  parents,  they  partook 
together  of  the  blessed  emblems  of 
- their  precious  Saviour’s  love,  the  whole 


52 


JESSIE  MORRISON, 


group  enjoyed  some  sweet  foretaste  of 
that  higher  feast  in  heaven,  when  they 
hoped  to  sit  down  and  feast  together  at 
the  marriage-supper  of  the  Lamb.  The 
experience  of  after  years  proved  to 
Mr.  Gilbert,  that  in  this  case  he  had 
acted  wisely  in  admitting  such  young 
persons  to  the  church  of  Christ,  sur- 
rounded as  they  were  continually  by 
the  discipline,  guidance,  and  example 
of  remarkably  pious  parents. 

Mrs.  Thornton  still  kept  a watchful 
eye  on  Jessie,  frequently  visiting  her, 
and  encouraging  her  to  persevere  in 
her  Christian  walk;  but  her  sweet 
daughter  Mary  was  evidently  growing 
weaker.  One  afternoon  she  rode  out  in 
company  wdth  her  mother  to  Hose 
Cottage,  supported  in  the  carriage  by 
pillows.  She  was  lifted  out,  and  laid 
in  the  parlour  on  Mrs.  Morrison’s  sofa ; 


OR  THE  MISSION  FLOWERS.  53 

for  some  time  they  had  to  fan  her,  her 
debility  haAdng  produced  faintness. 
After  taking  some  slight  refreshment, 
she  called  Jessie  to  her,  and  said,  “I 
think,  Jessie,  that  this  is  my  last  visit 
to  your  cottage;  the  exertion  is  too 
much,  it  does  me  harm,  but  I am  not 
afraid  to  die.  Jesus  is  mine,  and  I am 
his.  Often  when  I am  alone,  I have 
such  sweet  communion  with  my  Sa- 
viour, that  I can  never  describe  to  any 
human  being  how  happy  I am ; but  yet, 
Jessie,  it  sometimes  wrings  my  heart 
to  leave  my  mother;  she  will  have  no 
child  when  I am  gone,  and  she  loves 
me  so  dearly;  but  then  I know  that 
she  is  a real  Christian,  and  when  the 
trial  comes,  the  comfort  will  follow.” 
Exhausted  by  these  few  words,  she 
lay  panting  for  breath,  while  Jessie, 


54  JESSIE  MORRISON, 

bathed  in  tears,  stood  by  her  side, 
tanning  her. 

“ Miss  Mary,  you  will  soon  be  done 
with  pain  and  sickness;  sorrow  and 
sighing  will  all  flee  away  in  your 
heavenly  home  ; but  there  is  one  thing 
I should  like  to  tell  you ; ever  since  I 
became  a Christian,  the  voice  of  God 
has  been  speaking  loudly  in  my  heart, 
and  I feel  as  if  he  w^as  preparing  me 
to  be  a missionary.  When  I see  ignorant, 
wicked  children,  1 feel  so  anxious  to  be 
old  enough  to  teach  them;  or  when  I 
see  poor  people,  I feel  so  anxious  to 
help  them,  I often  wonder  what  it 
means ; do  you  think  it  is  God’s  voice. 
Miss  Mary?  I know  that  I am  too 
young  to  teach  yet,  but  then  there 
was  little  Henry,  that  Mrs.  Sherwood 
wrote  such  a sweet  story  about.  He 
was  a very  little  boy,  and  yet  he  was 


OR  THE  MISSION  FLOWERS.  55 

the  means  of  converting  his  bearer.  It 
was  all  God’s  work ; so  if  he  calls  me, 
it  will  all  be  his  doing ; all  I want  to 
know  is,  do  you  think  it  was  really 
God’s  voice  ?” 

Mary  lay  listening  very  earnestl3^ 
Taking  Jessie’s  hand  she  said,  “Ask 
mamma,  Jessie.  I know  that  she  thinks 
the  Lord  has  some  blessed  wmrk  for 
you  to  do;  mamma  loves  you,  Jessie, 
she  will  be  a faithful  friend  to  you 
always,  and  I think  that  you  will  be 
the  one  to  comfort  her  when  I am  gone ; 
but,  Jessie,  it  seems  to  me  that  the 
voice  of  God  calls  us  to  do  our  duty 
in  that  station  of  life,  where  he  has 
placed  us.  You  are  now  a daughter  and 
a sister;  you  can  serve  God  in  these 
sweet  relations  now;  when  you  are 
older,  there  are  a great  many  ignorant 


56 


JESSIE  MORRISON; 


children  at  home  all  around,  whom  you 
could  teach  their  duty  to  God.” 

“Yes,  Miss  Mary,  that  is  just  what 
I think  too,  but  there  are  very  few 
walling  to  go  away  to  distant  lands,  to 
teach  the  poor  dark  heathen  children, 
and  when  one  is  willing  to  leave  all,  I 
have  sometimes  thought  that  was  the 
wvay  God  was  making  known  his  will.” 
“ Don’t  think  too  much  about  it, 
Jessie;  perform  your  present  duties, 
and  pray  that  he  will  direct  all  your 
goings  in  your  future  life.” 

Thus  these  young  Christians  talked 
together;  then  Jessie  went  out,  and 
gathered  one  of  her  sweetest  bouquets, 
and  placing  it  in  Mary’s  hand,  said, 
“ That  is  all  I have  to  give,  but  it  is 
a gift  of  love,  and  I know  that  you 
will  value  it  for  my  sake.  Miss  Mary.” 


OR  THE  MISSION  FLOWERS.  57 

When  she  had  sufficient!}'’  rested, 
her  mother  had  her  conveyed  to  the 
carriage,  and  all  gazed  after  it  with 
sorrowful  eyes,  as  they  saw  her  lifted 
in,  and  beheld  her  looking  wistfully 
out  of  the  window,  waving  her  feeble 
hand,  and  smiling  faintly  on  the  sorrow- 
ful group.  It  was  her  last  farewell  to 
Rose  Cottage. 

In  a few  days,  intelligence  was  sent 
to  them,  that  sweet  Mary  Thornton 
had  entered  into  the  joy  of  her  Lord; 
and  the  servant  came  for  some  of 
Jessie’s  flovrers  to  scatter  over  her  cold 
remains. 

With  blinding  tears,  the  little  girl  ad- 
ded a lovely  bunch  of  white  rose  buds, 
and  delicate  lilies  of  the  valley,  as  her 
own  humble  offering  to  her  lamented 
friend. 


58 


JESSIE  MORRISON, 


When  Mrs.  Thornton  came  again, 
which  was  not  for  many  weeks,  it  was 
with  an  altered  aspect,  and  clad  in  deep 
mourning,  for  her  cherished  Mary  slept 
in  Jesus,  and  she  was  now  a childless 
mother. 


OR  THE  MISSION  FLOWERS. 


59 


CHAPTER  VI. 

A KLND  FRIEND. 

The  children’s  flower-bed  still  con- 
tinued its  gentle  teachings,  and  its  pro- 
duce yielded  abundantly  for  the  Lord. 
On  the  third  month,  their  joint  con- 
tributions had  amounted  to  twenty- 
five  dollars  for  their  Missionary  box, 
and  ten  for  “ a help  to  father.” 

They  were  very  busy  children,  for 
their  household  duties,  their  studies, 
and  their  garden  kept  them  fully  oc- 
cupied; but  the  latter  was  a delightful 
recreation,  and  they  felt  as  if  they 
needed  no  more. 

Little  Robert  was  greatly  interested 


60 


JESSIE  MORRISON, 


in  his  pigeons,  and  kept  up  a good 
supply  for  the  weekly  market. 

One  morning,  after  a wet  spell,  they 
found  that  the  weeds  seemed  to  be 
getting  too  fast  ahead. 

“ Sandie,”  said  Jessie,  “doesn’t  the 
garden  resemble  our  hearts  ? There  are 
so  many  weeds,  and  they  require  such 
constant  watching ; just  so  it  is  with 
sin ; sometimes  I feel  as  if  my  sins 
were  almost  rooted  out;  and  just  when 
I don’t  expect  it,  when  I think  that  I 
am  serving  Grod,  up  starts  wicked 
pride  to  stain  my  motives,  weariness 
when  I attempt  to  praise  him,  a secret 
temptation  to  want  my  own  way,  when 
God  crosses  me.  Oh  ! Sandie,  some- 
times I feel  as  if  I should  never  be 
holy  enough  for  a holy  heaven.” 

“Yes,  sister,  this  is  just  what  I find. 
Then  you  see  how  much  faster  the 


OR  THE  MISSION  FLOWERS.  61 

weeds  grow  than  the  flowers,  how 
hardy  they  are,  and  how  easily  the 
sweet  flowers  are  kilted ; too  much 
rain,  too  much  sun,  a little  frost,  any 
of  these  things  may  kill  our  sweet 
blossoms  ; but  cut  off  the  heads  of  the 
weeds,  pluck  off  their  branches  ever 
so  close,  expose  them  to  the  hot  sun 
and  the  heavy  cold  rains,  they  seem 
to  grow  the  faster.  Now,  sister,  this 
is  the  way  with  sin;  while  the  root 
remains,  cut  off  one  branch,  a multi- 
tude shoots  out;  and  the  delicate  na- 
ture of  the  flowers  puts  me  in  mind  of 
holiness,  which  takes  root  so  slowly  in 
our  hearts,  and  so  many  things  may 
hinder,  and  choke  its  growth ; what  is 
the  reason  ?” 

“ Ah ! Sandie,  it  is  the  soil ; our  hearts 
are,  by  nature,  so  corrupt,  that  if  an 
evil  seed  is  sown  in  them,  it  springs 
6 


62 


JESSIE  MORRISON, 


up  fast, and  strong,  just  like  the  weeds  ; 
but  plant  a seed  of  holiness,  and  oh! 
how  slowly  it  grows,  how  much  the 
soil  needs  preparing ; yes,  it  must  be 
all  changed  itself,  before  the  good  seed 
can  take  root.” 

“ Well,  sister,  there  is  one  comfort, 
the  Holy  Spirit  can  make  the  soil  of 
our  hearts  good.  He  is  the  gracious 
Gardener,  let  us  go  to  him  every  day, 
and  pray  for  him  to  make  the  ground 
new,  so  that  the  seeds  of  holiness  may 
grow,  and  ripen  last.” 

“ Sandie,  I often  wonder  what  we 
should  do  without  our  dear  Saviour. 
Sometimes  when  I try  to  pray,  my 
thoughts  wander  away  off,  and  even 
bad  thoughts  come  in  to  draw  my 
heart  off  from  God;  then  I lay  my 
poor  prayers  at  Jesus’  feet,  and  I know 
that  he  will  take  them  to  my  heavenly 


OR  THE  MISSION  FLOWERS. 


G3 


Father,  will  pluck  out  all  the  weeds  that 
are  mixed  with  them,  and  offer  them 
before  God,  in  his  own  name,  and  if 
washed  in  his  blood,  they  will  be  ac- 
cepted.” 

All  this  while,  the  children  were 
diligently  employed  in  plucking  up  the 
weeds,  and  before  they  left  their  flower 
bed,  it  was  perfectly  clean  and  neat. 

“Don’t  you  wish,  Sandie,  that  our 
hearts  could  be  made  clean  and  pure 
from  sin  just  as  soon  ?” 

“ Yes,  indeed,  sister,  but  where  then 
would  be  the  striving?  Still  there  is 
a great  comfort,  for  our  Saviour  says, 
that  he  will  ‘ present  us  faultless  be- 
fore the  presence  of  his  glory,’  at  last.” 
“Well,  Sandie,  have  not  the  flowers 
preached  us  a good  sermon  to  day? 
Thank  you,  kind  friends,  you  are  dear 


64 


JESSIE  MORRISON, 


little  preachers,”  said  Jessie,  as  she 
turned  to  go  into  the  house. 

That  afternoon,  Mrs.  Thornton  paid 
them  a visit.  She  was  sad,  for  she 
had  lost  a lovely  child  ; but  her  heart 
was  tranquil  and  resigned,  for  she  had 
kissed  the  rod  which  had  afflicted  her. 
Calling  Jessie  to  her,  she  asked  to  see 
her  alone,  and  soon  opened  the  purpose 
of  her  benevolent  visit. 

“ Jessie,  I have  lost  my  dear  Mary ; 
she  loved  you  dearly,  my  child,  and 
before  she  died,  she  told  me  of  your 
last  conversation  with  her.  I have 
thought  much  of  it ; I do  not  feel  pre- 
pared to  answer  the  question  which 
you  asked  her,  while  you  are  so  young, 
because  children’s  minds  are  very 
changeable;  but  in  order  to  fit  you  for 
usefulness  as  a teacher  somewhere,  I 
wish  to  place  you  at  a school  in  New 


OR  THE  MISSION  FLOWERS.  G5 

England,  where  young  persons  are 
qualified  to  teach.  There  you  will 
have  the  very  best  advantages,  and  if 
your  mother  can  spare  you,  I will  place 
you  there  for  three  years,  and  bear  all 
your  expenses.” 

“ Thank  you,  dear  Mrs.  Thornton, 

this  is  what  I have  always  longed  for, 

for  although  I have  learned  a great  deal 

that  is  useful  in  my  day-school,  nothing 

there  is  taught  of  our  duty  to  God ; 

the  Bible  is  not  read  there,  nor  prayer 

offered.  We  are  only  educated  for  this 

world.  When  I am  there,  I feel  as  if 

I was  to  live  here  always,  and  that 

there  is  no  such  a thing  as  hereafter; 

but  in  Sunday-school,  I seem  to  feel 

myself  quite  another  person.  I have 

always  wished  to  be  where  I could  be 

instructed  daily,  as  if  I were  immortal, 

and  accountable;  but  I am  afraid,  dear 
6* 


66  JESSIE  MORRISON, 

madam,  that  my  mother  cannot  spare 
me,  and  I should  not  think  it  right  to 
leave  her,  with  no  one  to  help  her  in 
all  her  cares.” 

That  is  a right  feeling,  my  child.  If 
however,  it  is  best  and  right  for  you  to 
go,  the  way  of  Providence  will  he  a 
plain  path  before  your  face ; but  do  not 
let  us  forget  to  ask  God  to  guide  us  all, 
and  wait  patiently  for  the  teachings  of 
his  holy  will.” 

Mrs.  Thornton  spoke  to  Jessie’s  pa- 
rents on  the  same  subject.  They  ex- 
pressed the  deepest  gratitude,  but  saw 
the  same  difficulties,  for  the  present,  in 
their  path.  But  God,  their  Father,  was 
planning  all  wisely  for  them,  and  they 
piously  waited  for  his  directing  hand. 

They  were  still  in  the  habit  of  hear- 
ing constantly  from'  their  daughter 
Effie.  In  the  next  letter  that  they 


OR  THE  MISSION  FLOWERS. 


G7 


received,  she  asked  permission  to  come 
to  America,  saying  that  the  family  at 
the  manse  was  broken  up,  as  Mrs. 
McLeod  was  dead,  and  her  minister 
had  gone  to  live  with  his  married 
daughter.  She  could  not  bear  the  idea 
of  going  among  strangers,  and  there 
were  other  reasons,  why  she  wished  to 
be  with  her  parents.  She  had  care- 
fully saved  her  wages,  and  had  plenty 
to  pay  her  passage  to  America.  She 
should  wait  anxiously  for  a letter. 

The  parents  immediately  wrote  for  her 
to  come  to  them,  and  as  it  was  now 
late  in  July,  they  would  expect  her 
early  in  October. 

They  regarded  this  letter,  as  some 
indication  of  God’s  will  concerning  their 
dear  Jessie,  for  if  Effie  was  at  home, 
the  only  obstacle  to  their  acceptance 


68  JESSIE  MORRISON, 

of  Mrs.  Thornton’s  offer,  would  be  re- 
moved. 

“ In  all  thy  ways  acknowledge  him, 
and  he  shall  direct  thy  paths.”  Act- 
ing upon  this  Christian  precept,  God 
was  fulfilling  his  promise  to  them. 


OR  THE  MISSION  FLOWERS.  69 


CHAPTER  VII. 

AWAY  TO  SCHOOL. 

August  and  September  passed  away. 
During  those  two  months,  they  had 
made  forty  dollars  for  their  Missionary 
box,  and  fifteen  for  “a  help  to  father;” 
making  for  their  whole  amount,  one 
hundred  and  five  dollars  for  the  Mis- 
sionary fund,  and  thirty-two  for  their 
father.  This  was  a source  of  great 
happiness  to  the  family ; it  had  cost 
them  very  little,  for  the  seeds  were 
of  small  value.  The  growth  was  abun- 
dant, and  the  children’s  labour  had 
been  amply  repaid,  in  the  health  which 
had  been  improved,  the  teachings  which 
they  had  received  from  the  lovely 


70 


JESSIE  MORRISON, 


flowers,  and  in  the  good  which  had 
been  accomplished  in  the  Lord’s  cause; 
the  gentle  ministry  of  their  silent 
preachers  was  not  yet  ended.  As 
Autumn  was  approaching,  the  children 
carefully  gathered,  and  marked  their 
seeds,  looking  forward  to  another  sea- 
son, with  the  hope  of  like  results. 

The  first  of  October  rapidly  drew 
near,  the  papers  were  watched  care- 
fully which  announced  the  arrivals  of 
vessels.  At  last,  one  morning,  with  a 
joyful  countenance,  Mr.  Morrison  en- 
tered with  a paper  in  his  hand. 

“ The  vessel  has  arrived,  Mary,  in 
which  Effie  sailed.  I must  go  to  New 
York,  to  bring  her  on,  as  she  will  not 
know  how  to  find  her  way  home  in  a 
strange  land  and  the  father  was  soon 
ready  to  set  olf  for  his  daughter. 
Joyful  exclamations  of  delight  were 


OR  THE  MISSION  FLOWERS.  71 

abundant  in  the  happy  household,  as 
they  had  not  seen  Effie  since  she  was 
a little  girl,  and  she  was  now  eighteen. 
On  the  evening  of  the  next  day,  she 
was  expected.  The  little  parlour  was 
in  readiness  for  her  reception;  some 
pretty  fall  flowers  were  placed  in  the 
vases ; the  children  all  dressed  in  their 
Sunday  attire,  and  a very  nice  meal 
prepared  for  the  stranger.  Sandie  took 
the  little  wagon  into  the  city,  ready  to 
meet  the  cars.  Jessie  and  Robert  were 
in  a state  of  great  excitement;  long 
before  the  time  appointed  for  their  ar- 
rival, the  children  were  running  out  to 
the  middle  of  the  road  and  straining 
their  eyes  to  see  when  they  appeared 
in  the  distance.  They  were  doomed 
to  frequent  disappointments;  for  every 
wagon  they  imagined  was  their  father’s. 
At  last  to  their  unbounded  delight,  the 


72 


JESSIE  MORRISON, 


wagon  appeared.  They  ran  in  to  their 
mother,  exclaiming,  “ Here  they  come, 
here  they  come and  in  a few  minutes, 
Mr.  Morrison  drove  up,  and  the  happy 
mother  received  her  beloA^ed  daughter 
in  her  arms.  All  crowded  around  to 
kiss  sister  Effie.  She  was  a bright, 
healthy  looking  girl,  with  a frame 
that  looked  as  if  it  had  been  strength- 
ened by  Highland  air,  and  exercise. 
Clad  in  her  gay  Tartan  plaid,  she  was 
an  object  of  much  curiosity  to  the 
youthful  portion  of  the  family. 

Jessie  hung  around  her  sister,  with 
affectionate  caresses,  for  she  had  none 
at  home  to  love,  whom  she  could  call 
sister,  but  little  Mattie ; and  here  was 
one  who  could  be  a sweet  companion. 

Effie  was  the  very  picture  of  radiant 
happiness,  for  she  had  been  separated, 
for  many  years,  from  the  household 


OR  THE  MISSION  FLOWERS.  73 


circle.  Her  Scotch  accent  excited  no  lit- 
tle amusement  among  the  children,  for 
they  had  almost  forgotten  the  language 
which  they  had  lisped  in  their  early 
days. 

“What  a sweet  bairn  !”  said  Effie,  as 
she  kissed  little  Mattie ; “ and  w'hat  a 
bonnie  lass  !”  as  she  threw  her  arms 
once  more  around  Jessie. 

It  was  a happy  family  group,  that 
sat  around  the  table  that  evening,  in 
their  snug  little  parlour;  and  Robert 
Morrison’s  grace  was  rather  longer  than 
usual,  as  he  returned  warm  thanks, 
and  implored  rich  blessings  upon  the 
new  member  added  to  the  family. 

“ Effie,  you  are  company  to  night,” 
said  her  mother,  “ so  we  entertain  5mu 
in  our  parlour  and  then  they  chatted 
about  all  their  fiimily  plans  ; the  chil- 
dren told  about  their  flower-bed,  Robert 
7 


74 


JESSIE  MORRISON, 


about  his  pigeons,  and  the  mother 
about  good  Mrs.  Thornton,  and  her 
offer  for  Jessie. 

Effie  smiled  as  she  said,  “ Now,  mo- 
ther, ye  can  let  her  go,  I dinna  ken 
that  she  is  ower  strong,  and  I can  help 
about  the  hoose,  while  Jessie  is  awa  at 
school.” 

Effie  told  the  story  of  her  adven- 
tures at  her  home  in  the  Highlands. 
They  were  very  simple,  but  all  had  an 
interest  for  the  group,  who  loved  the 
youthful  speaker. 

She  had  brought  a letter  from  her 
minister  to  her  parents,  and  another  to 
Mr.  Gilbert,  speaking  warmly  of  her 
piety,  and  fidelity  as  a servant  in  her 
master’s  house,  and  expressing  warm 
wishes  for  the  health  and  happiness  of 
his  young  friend,  in  her  new  home. 

Mrs.  Thornton  was  delighted  to  hear 


OR  THE  MISSION  FLOWERS.  75 

of  her  arrival,  as  she  now  hoped  that 
the  only  obstacle  was  removed,  which 
prevented  Jessie  from  going  to  school. 

The  young  girl  was  busily  engaged 
with  her  studies  during  the  winter,  and 
her  leisure  time  was  occupied  in  aiding 
her  mother  to  prepare  her  wardrobe,  as 
it  was  decided  that  she  should  go  in 
the  spring,  as  early  as  May.  Her 
benefactress  sent  an  abundant  supply 
of  all  that  was  necessary  for  her  out- 
fit for  the  whole  year,  as  she  did  not 
desire  her  to  come  home  until  the  close 
of  the  second  year.  It  kept  them  all 
pretty  busy  in  the  winter  evenings,  for, 
added  to  all  their  other  work,  there 
was  a great  deal  to  do. 

Effie  was  very  active  with  her  needle, 
and  helped  with  a cheerful  spirit,  to 
prepare  her  sister  for  school.  Mrs. 
Thornton,  who  observed  her  affection- 


76 


JESSIE  MORRISON, 


ate  industry,  sent  to  Etiie,  as  her 
Christmas  gift,  a full  winter  suit  for 
the  Sabbath. 

“ Oh  ! but  she’s  a gude  lady,”  said 
Effie ; and  may  the  blessing  of  the 
Lord  be  upon  her  for  ever  and  aye, 
for  all  her  luve  to  me  and  mine.” 

When  the  spring  flowers  first  showed 
their  tender  shoots,  it  was  not  quite 
such  a joyous  group,  that  hailed  their 
advent,  as  the  spring  before  ; for  they 
felt  that  Jessie,  whom  they  all  loved 
so  dearly,  would  be  far  away  in  the 
time  of  their  richest  bloom. 

“Jessie,”  said  Sandie,  as  he  looked 
at  the  first  blossoms,  “ the  flowers  are 
preaching  another  sermon  to-day.  They 
are  very  sweet,  but  very  fading ; they 
are  here  to-day,  and  gone  to-morrow. 
That  is  like  our  childish  joys,  Jessie, 
they  are  fading  too.” 


OR  THE  MISSION  FLOWERS.  77 

“ I think  I know  what  you  mean, 
Sandie.  We  have  been  very  happy 
together,  brother,  but  we  are  going  to 
part  for  a long  while.  The  joys  of 
our  home  are  almost  as  short  lived  as 
the  flowers.  As  we  grow  up,  we  can- 
not always  be  together,  we  must  each 
go  out  into  the  wide,  wide  world,  and 
who  knows,  dear  Sandie,  when  we  shall 
meet  again?” 

‘‘  But,  sister,  the  flowers  preach  of 
hope  too;  they  will  bloom  again,  and 
we  shall  hope  to  meet  again,  and  then 
there  is  a blessed  place,  Jessie,  where 
we  shall  meet,  and  never  part  again.” 

“ Sandie,  I hope  that  you  will  be 
very  careful  of  our  sweet  flowers  when 
I am  gone.  Eflie  will  help  you,  and 
the  same  Missionary  work  will  still  go 
on,  while  God  sends  the  same  rain  and 
sunshine,  the  same  buds  and  blossoms, 


78 


JESSIE  MORRISON, 


the  same  willing  hands  to  labour,  and 
loving  hearts  to  trust.” 

“ Let  us  plant  two  rose-bushes,  sis- 
ter ; I will  plant  yours  in  a flower  pot, 
that  you  may  take  it  away  with  you, 
and  you  shall  plant  mine  in  the  ground. 
Whenever  we  look  at  them,  we  will 
think  of,  and  pray  for  each  other.” 

Away  went  Sandie,  and  brought  two 
small  rose-bushes.  They  were  quickly 
planted,  and  named  after  each  affection- 
ate child. 

The  time  sped  on  almost  too  rapidly ; 
when  all  was  prepared  for  Jessie’s  de- 
parture, Mr.  Gilbert,  and  Miss  Ross, 
who  loved  the  child  very  dearly,  called 
to  bid  her  farewell.  Her  pastor  brought 
her  a handsome  Bible,  with  her  name 
written  in  it  by  his  own  hand  ; and 
Miss  Ross  brought  several  valuable 
books  for  a young  Christian.  After 


OR  THE  MISSION  FLOWERS. 


79 


many  affectionate  charges,  and  most 
earnest  prayer,  her  kind  friends  took 
leave  of  her ; and  Mrs.  Thornton  called 
for  her,  as  it  was  her  intention  to  take 
her  to  school,  and  place  her  there  her- 
self. She  was  to  Jessie  a second  mo- 
ther, and  loved  the  dear  child  with  al- 
most parental  love. 

It  was  a bright  May  morning,  and 
though  there  was  sunshine  above,  there 
were  tears  on  the  faces  of  the  loving 
family.  The  mother  held  her  child  in 
a close  embrace,  and  bade  God  bless 
her  Jessie.  Sandie  could  not  speak 
his  farewell.  Little  Robert  sobbed  out 
good  bye;  and  E file,  trying  to  smile 
through  her  tears,  said  farewell,  and 
with  a sister’s  love  bade  Jessie  trust  in 
God,  and  promised  to  remember  her  in 
her  prayers. 

The  trunk  was  soon  strapped  to  the 


80 


JESSIE  MORRISON, 


carriage,  the  father  seated  himself  hy 
Jessie’s  side,  as  he  intended  placing 
her  in  the  cars,  and  the  carriage  drove 
off. 

At  the  depot,  Jessie  took  leave  of 
her  father,  who  strained  her  to  his 
heart,  and  said,  “ God  bless,  and  keep 
my  daughter  in  the  narrow  way. 

When  Jessie  found  herself  at  last 
alone  with  Mrs.  Thornton,  she  could 
not  restrain  her  tears ; but  having  re- 
lieved her  feelings,  with  a grateful 
heart,  she  gave  her  hand  to  Mrs. 
Thornton,  and  said,  “ My  kind  friend, 
do  not  be  displeased  at  my  tears ; my 
family  are  very  dear  to  me,  and  we 
have  never  been  separated  before. 

“ You  are  very  excusable,  my  child; 
hut  when  you  get  to  Rockwood,  you 
will  he  so  busy  that  I know  you  will 
soon  he  very  happy.” 


OR  THE  MISSION  FLOWERS.  81 

Her  friend  was  a pleasant  travelling 
companion ; being  very  intelligent,  she 
described  all  that  was  interesting  in 
the  places  w^hich  they  passed,  and  by 
every  ingenious  and  pleasing  method, 
drew  off  Jessie’s  thoughts  from  herself. 

In  a few  days  they  found  themselves 
at  Rockwood,  where  they  were  kindly 
received  by  the  principal. 

Jessie  felt  somewhat  frightened  at 
first  at  the  thought  of  living  with  so 
many  girls,  but  resolving  to  be  guided 
by  Bible  rules  of  duty,  she  committed 
her  all  to  God,  and  was  at  peace.  Mrs. 
Thornton  had  a private  interview  of 
some  length  with  the  principal,  in  which 
she  bespoke  her  interest  for  her  young 
charge ; and  on  the  next  morning,  having 
seen  her  comfortably  placed  in  her  neat 
little  room,  and  appointed  her  proper 
class  in  the  school-room,  she  took  leave 


82 


JESSIE  MOKEISON, 


of  Jessie,  bidding  her  write  every  two 
weeks. 

The  poor  child  had  another  fit  of 
real  loneliness,  when  she  saw  Mrs. 
Thornton  drive  off;  hut,  with  a brave 
heart,  she  drove  back  the  choking  tears, 
and  busied  herself  with  her  duties  as 
a scholar. 


OR  THE  MISSION  FLOWERS.  83 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

LIFE  AT  SCHOOL. 

Miss  Lyman,  the  principal,  was  a 
person  well  qualified  to  conduct  the 
business  of  education.  She  soon  be- 
came deeply  interested  in  Jessie  Mor- 
rison, and  acting  upon  Mrs.  Thornton’s 
hint,  was  carefully  watching  the  bent 
of  the  young  girl’s  mind. 

Jessie  was  very  conscientious  in  the 
performance  of  all  her  duties  as  a pu- 
pil, and  soon  exhibited  decided  marks 
of  uncommon  talent.  She  was  patient 
and  enduring ; not  the  least  daunted 
by  difficulties.  She  was  also  self-deny- 
ing and  courageous.  Her  piety  was 
of  a deep  and  humble  character.  All 


84 


JESSIE  MORRISON, 


these  qualities  led  Miss  Lyman  to  look 
forward  to  a life  of  great  usefulness  for 
her  beloved  pupil. 

The  institution  at  Kockwood  was 
one,  whose  object  was  chiefly  to  train 
teachers.  Many  had  been  sent  out  to 
distant  places  in  the  South  and  West, 
and  quite  a respectable  number  to  posts 
in  foreign  lands,  as  useful,  and  devoted 
missionaries. 

Wishing  to  place  Jessie  in  some 
position  where  her  talents  could  be 
tested,  Miss  Lyman  gave  her  the  charge 
of  a class  of  young  children,  in  a Sab- 
bath-school, taught  by  the  young  ladies 
of  Rock  wood,  in  a school-house  about 
a mile  distant  from  the  institution. 
This  was  a part  of  their  training,  all 
being  required  to  give  their  services, 
as  some  compensation  for  their  edu- 
cation. 


OR  THE  MISSION  FLOWERS.  85 

Jessie  was  soon  actively  engaged  in 
her  work.  When  she  first  found  her- 
self seated  before  a class  of  smiling 
little  children,  she  felt  as  if  she  had 
found  her  vocation.  Her  scholars  could 
all  read,  but  were  all  ignorant  of  the 
Bible ; and  being  an  untamed  set  of 
merry  little  urchins,  required  all  the 
patience  of  their  jmuthful  teacher,  for 
she  Avas  now  not  much  over  fourteen. 

They  were  required  to  commit  to 

memory  a few  Bible  verses,  and  to 

learn  hymns  ; not  being  accustomed  to 

study,  they  came  several  times  without 

their  lessons.  Miss  Lyman  watched 

Jessie’s  course,  to  see  what  she  would 

do,  in  such  an  emergency.  She  was 

still  patient  and  affectionate,  but  quietly 

gave  them  their  Bibles,  telling  them  to 

learn  their  lessons  before  they  went 

home.  Several  pouted,  but  looking  at 
8 


86  JESSIE  MORRISON, 

Jessie’s  countenance,  seeing  that  she 
was  in  earnest,  and  knowing  that  she 
was  sustained  and  encouraged  by  Miss 
Lyman  in  her  course,  they  accordingly 
set  about  their  task,  and  soon  accom- 
plished it.  One  obstinate  little  girl, 
Sarah  Scott,  refused  to  take  her  Bible. 
Jessie  told  her  that  she  should  wait  un- 
til she  had  learned  her  lesson.  Pertly 
she  replied  that  “she  would  not.” 

Jessie  looked  inquiringly  towards 
Miss  Lyman  for  guidance ; perceiving 
that  she  bowed  her  head  in  answer  to 
her  mute  inquiry,  she  calmly  com- 
menced the  task.  The  child  remained 
obstinate.  She  began  kicking  out  her 
feet,  and  in  a very  sullen  mood,  still 
refused  obedience. 

The  exercises  of  the  school  at  last 
were  closed.  Perceiving  that  the  chil- 
dren were  dismissed,  Sarah  prepared, 


OR  THE  MISSION  FLOWERS.  87 

with  a look  of  triumph,  to  leave  the 
room.  Jessie  turned  to  her  quietly, 
and  said,  “ You  cannot  go  until  your 
task  is  done.”  Sarah  pouted,  but  took 
her  seat,  for  she  dared  not  rush  out 
before  Miss  Lyman.  Coming  up  to 
Jessie,  that  lady  handed  her  a book, 
and  with  an  expressive  look,  said,  ‘‘Per- 
haps you  may  get  tired,  here  is  an  in- 
teresting book  for  you  to  read ; you 
may  have  to  stay  a long  while.” 

Miss  Lyman  was  pleased  with  her 
quiet  perseverance ; and  when  the 
young  teacher  returned  a few  hours 
afterwards,  that  lady  did  not  feel  it 
necessary  to  ask  what  had  been  the 
result,  as  she  knew  something  of 
Jessie’s  firmness. 

It  was  Miss  Lyman’s  practice  to  keep 
a private  note  book  in  which  she  re- 
corded her  pupils’  names,  and  noted 


88 


JESSIE  MORRISON, 


all  the  interesting  traits  which  she  saw 
developed  in  their  daily  life. 

Under  Jessie  Morrison’s  name,  on 
this  occasion,  she  wrote,  “Much  firm- 
ness and  wisdom  for  one  so  young.” 

After  this  day,  little  Sarah  under- 
took no  more  contests  with  her  young 
teacher,  but  respecting  her,  she  soon 
learned  to  love  her. 

On  another  occasion,  a severe  snow- 
storm on  Saturday  made  the  roads 
very  bad  on  Sunday.  Several  of  the 
girls  declared  that  it  was  impossible 
for  them  to  venture  out.  Jessie  quietly 
looked  out  of  the  window,  and  saw 
several  men  plodding  their  way  through 
the  snow.  Believing  what  others  could 
do  in  the  morning,  when  the  roads 
were  worse,  she  could  accomplish  in  the 
afternoon,  when  they  were  somewhat 
trodden,  she  calmly  made  her  prepar- 


OR  THE  MISSION  FLOWERS.  89 

ations  for  her  walk.  Taking  out  her 
thick  boots,  extra  stockings,  and  all 
her  winter  wrappings,  Jessie  was  ready, 
when  the  time  arrived,  to  accompany 
Miss  Lyman. 

“Are  you  not  afraid,  Jessie,  of  get- 
ting stalled  in  the  snow?”  said  that 
lady. 

“ Are  you,  Miss  Lyman  ?” 

“ No,  my  dear,  I am  accustomed  to 
go  out  all  kinds  of  weather,”  answered 
her  teacher. 

“ And  I mean  to  he  also,”  said  Jessie. 
“ It  is  my  duty  to  go ; and  at  home,  1 
was  early  used  to  hardships.” 

It  required  all  her  strength  and  per- 
severance to  overcome  the  difficulties, 
for  much  of  the  road  had  not  been 
travelled,  save  by  a very  few  footsteps ; 
but  she  flinched  not,  and  finally  suc- 
ceeded in  reaching  the  school-house. 

8* 


90 


JESSIE  MORRISON, 


About  one  dozen  were  present, 
taught  by  Miss  Lyman  and  herself. 
Another  note  was  placed  in  the  pri- 
vate book,  under  Jessie’s  name,  “ Great 
perseverance  and  conscientiousness.” 

Mrs.  Thornton  frequently  sent  to 
her  supplies  of  pocket  money.  Jessie 
being  very  self-denying,  but  little  was 
spent  on  her  own  person ; while  many 
of  the  girls  indulged  their  appetites, 
some  their  love  of  dress,  and  others 
desire  for  books.  Jessie  seemed  to 
care  for  neither  of  the  first  two ; she 
did  delight  in  the  latter,  and  if  tempted 
to  indulge  at  all,  it  was  in  a thirst  for 
books  of  an  elevating  and  improving 
character. 

There  was  in  school  a box  for  mis- 
sions ; and  into  that  was  dropped 
quietly  many  a dollar  sent  for  her  own 
wants. 


OR  THE  MISSION  FLOWERS.  91 

In  the  second  year  of  her  school- 
life,  money  was  sent  to  provide  for  a 
renewal  of  her  wardrobe.  Miss  Ly- 
man knew  of  this  supply ; and  while 
other  girls  were  purchasing  their  new 
spring  bonnets,  she  observed  that  Jes- 
sie wore  her  old  one,  cleaned,  and 
simply  trimmed.  She  also  observed 
that  her  dresses  were  remodelled,  and 
a very  few  of  the  simplest  kind  added 
to  her  wardrobe. 

. Jessie  had  ordered  a handsome  set 
of  the  British  Poets,  but  Miss  Lyman 
discovered  that  the  order  was  counter- 
manded. She  was  still  watching  and 
wondering,  and  observed  moreover  that 
Jessie  walked  out  frequently  alone, 
and  ascertained,  without  herknowledge, 
that  her  visits  were  to  the  house  of 
Mrs.  Roberts,  a poor,  but  pious  woman, 
who  had  been  long  confined  to  her  bed 


92 


JESSIE  MORRISON, 


with  an  incurable  and  painful  disease. 
Sitting  up  in  her  bed,  she  continued 
to  labour  for  her  family  of  four  young 
children.  Her  health  was  rapidly  fail- 
ing, and  unable  to  obtain  regular  sup- 
plies, Jessie  found  them  in  a state  of 
great  need  and  suffering.  She  received 
her  supply  about  this  time,  and  looking 
at  her  little  fund,  found  that  by  deny- 
ing herself  a new  bonnet,  several  new 
dresses,  and  especially  the  set  of  books, 
she  could  aid  this  poor  family  for  many 
weeks.  She  resolved  upon  the  sacii- 
fice,  and  by  her  self-denying  love,  had 
contributed  two  dollars  a week,  for  the 
last  month,  towards  the  support  of  the 
afflicted  family. 

Miss  Lyman,  hearing  of  her  visits, 
called  herself  upon  Mrs.  Roberts,  where  . 
she  heard  from  the  grateful  Christian, 


OR  THE  MISSION  FLOWERS.  93 

all  the  story  of  Jessie’s  self-denying 
spirit. 

She  could  now  well  understand,  how 
her  dear  pupil  could  afford  to  bear  the 
ridicule  of  some,  who  sneered  at  her 
old  fashioned  bonnet,  and  despised  her 
plain  and  simple  dress. 

When  she  returned  home,  she  en- 
tered again  by  the  side  of  Jessie’s 
name,  “ Self-sacrificing  and  devoted.” 

The  young  girl  was  not  in  the  least 
aware,  how  closely  her  conduct  was  in- 
vestigated and  noted,  or  for  what  rea- 
sons. 

Deeply  interested  in  her  Sabbath- 
school  class,  no  weather,  either  of  ex- 
cessive heat  or  cold,  kept  her  away. 
Very  affectionate,  she  soon  secured 
their  warmest  love.  Having  great  apt- 
ness to  teach,  and  ingenious  in  illustra- 
tion and  anecdote,  her  class  was  alwa}'s 


94 


JESSIE  MORRISON. 


among  the  most  attentive,  and  the  look 
of  fixed  and  rapt  delight,  with  which 
they  hung  upon  Jessie’s  words,  con- 
vinced Miss  Lyman,  that  even  at  fif- 
teen, she  could  record  beneath  her 
name  : ‘‘  Born  for  a teacher,  full  of 
patience  and  love.” 


OR  THE  MISSION  FLOWERS. 


95 


CHAPTER  IX. 

SILENT  INFLUENCE. 

Occupying  the  room  with  Jessie,  was 
a little  girl  of  ten  years,  an  orphan, 
and  a cripple.  These  two  circumstan- 
ces had  called  out  all  the  kind  feelings 
of  a loving  nature,  and  she  soon  exer- 
cised over  this  little  girl,  a most  hap- 
py influence.  Having  been  neglected 
in  early  life,  little  Nettie  had  thus  far 
lived  without  the  fear  of  God  to  re- 
strain her  natural  inclinations  to  de- 
ception. She  had  also  an  ungovern- 
able temper,  but  a very  affectionate 
disposition;  and  Jessie  soon  saw  that 
if  she  expected  to  do  her  any  good,  it 
must  be  by  gaining  a hold  upon  her 


96 


JESSIE  MOmilSON, 


warm  little  heart.  Being  an  extremely 
unpleasant  child,  hitherto  she  had  no 
friends,  and  when  first  associated  with 
Jessie,  supposing  that,  like  all  the  rest, 
she  must  regard  her  as  an  enemy,  she 
commenced  her  usual  course  of  tantal- 
izing and  tormenting. 

On  the  next  morning,  after  she  had 
passed  her  first  night  in  her  new  room, 
Jessie  found  that  a little  box,  which 
contained  her  soap  and  tooth  powder, 
had  evidently  been  meddled  with.  This 
annoyed  her,  but  she  said  nothing 
at  first;  then  her  boot-strings  were 
tied  in  so  many  knots,  that  she  was  late 
at  breakfast ; this  was  repeated  several 
times,  and  when  Nettie  supposed  her- 
self unobserved,  Jessie  saw  the  dark 
countenance  grinning  maliciously  over 
what  she  had  done.  Then  again  several 
sheets  of  paper  were  taken  from  her 


OR  THE  MISSION  FLOWERS.  97 

portfolio.  She  found  that  this  would 
never  do  ; so  when  alone,  she  asked 
Nettie  why  she  took  so  much  pleasure 
in  teazing  her. 

‘‘Dear  me !”  said  the  little  girl,  “how 
could  you  think  that  I would  do  it  ? 
I have  not  seen  your  soap ; the  wutches 
must  have  tied  the  knots  in  your  boots; 
and  as  to  the  sheets  of  paper,  I have 
enough  of  my  own.” 

“I  am  sorry,  Nettie,  that  you  per- 
sist in  falsehood  ; I saw  the  soap  in 
your  tray,  the  paper  I saw  you  take 
from  the  portfolio,  and  the  knots 
must  have  tied.  I will  not  expose  you, 
but  I am  sorry  that  you  feel  so  badly 
towards  me,  when  I only  wish  to  love 
you,  and  do  you  good.” 

Nettie  seemed  surprised  at  this  kind 
forbearing  treatment,  for  she  had  al- 
ways experienced  the  reverse ; but 
9 


98 


JESSIE  MORRISON, 


looking  at  Jessie’s  countenance,  and 
seeing  there  an  expression  of  sincerity, 
she  was  sorry  for  her  bad  conduct,  and 
though  she  would  not  confess  it,  in- 
wardly resolved  to  cease  her  teazing. 

That  night  she  appeared  very  tired, 
for  her  hip  had  been  uncommonly  pain- 
ful all  day.  Jessie  perceived  this,  and 
when  they  retired,  said,  “ Nettie,  don’t 
stand  to  undress,  it  hurts  you  too  much ; 
I will  unfasten  your  clothes,  and  see 
you  placed  in  bed.” 

Very  gently  and  tenderly  Jessie  un- 
dressed her,  laid  all  her  clothes  away 
in  their  proper  place,  untied  her  shoe- 
strings, and  ere  placing  her  in  bed,  rub- 
bed her  back  with  the  embrocation 
used  when  she  had  these  attacks, 
lifted  the  poor  little  cripple  into  bed, 
kissed  her  affectionatelj",  and  was  in 
the  act  of  leaving  her,  when  Nettie 


OR  THE  MISSION  FLOWERS.  99 

hastily  threw  her  arms  around  Jessie’s 
neck,  burst  into  tears,  and  said  ‘‘Forgive 
me,  I will  never  teaze  you  again. 
I have  annoyed  you  a great  deal,  but 
I shall  love  you  always,  if  you  will 
only  let  me.” 

Jessie  assured  her  of  her  forgiveness, 
and  said,  “Now,  Nettie,  all  I ask  is, 
when  I see  you  do  wrong,  will  you 
listen  to  what  I say  ?” 

“ Yes,  indeed,  you  may  say  just  what 
you  please,  but  as  to  the  other  great 
girls  in  schools,  I shall  never  love 
them.” 

“ Well,  never  mind,  Nettie,  we  will 
not  talk  about  them  to-night.” 

When  Jessie  had  committed  herself 
to  God  for  the  night,  she  retired  to  rest 
happy  in  the  thought  that  she  had  se- 
cured a place  in  the  heart  of  this  way- 
ward child. 


100 


JESSIE  JIOKRISON, 


^'Nettie,  have  you  studied  your  les- 
sons this  morning  ? You  know  the 
I’ule — did  you  study  before  you  left 
your  room  ?” 

This  question  was  asked  by  Miss 
Lyman  in  the  presence  of  Jessie. 

Nettie  was  so  much  afraid  ot  dis- 
pleasing her  teacher,  that  she  said,  “ Yes, 
ma’am,  indeed  I diil  for  one  hour. 

Jessie  cast  one  look  at  poor  weak 
little  Nettie ; blushes  of  conscious  guilt 
instantly  overspread  her  face,  for  Jessie 
knew  that  she  had  not  opened  her 
hooks  once  that  day.  Her  look  of  real 
sorrow  sank  into  Netties  heart  moie 
deeply,  than  all  the  bitter  words  of 
anger,  which  had  ever  been  heaped 
upon  her.  When  alone,  she  came  to 
the  young  girl,  and  throwing  her  arms 
around  her  neck,  said,  ‘‘  Oh  ! Jessie, 
forgive  me,  I thought  that  I would 


OR  THE  MISSION  FLOWERS.  101 

never  tell  a lie  again,  but  I was  so 
frightened  that  I could  not  help  it. 
Your  sorrowful  looks  follow  me  about 
all  day,  and  I shall  never  forgive  my- 
self for  making  you  unhappy.” 

“ Nettie,  that  is  not  what  I want 
you  to  feel.  I am  glad  that  you  love 
me,  but  1 want  you  to  be  sorry  for  sin- 
ning against  God.  It  is  your  best 
friend  that  you  have  offended,  by 
breaking  his  holy  law  ; it  is  this  which 
makes  me  sorry.” 

“Well,  Jessie,  by  God’s  help,  I am 
determined  to  break  this  habit;  won’t 
you  pray  for  me  ? I have  deceived  so 
long,  that  it  is  hard  to  do  any  better.” 
Jessie  watched  the  little  girl  most 
carefully,  instructed  her  when  alone, 
and  best  of  all,  prayed  constantly  that 
she  might  be  made  a new  creature 

in  Christ  Jesus.  Treated  with  harsh- 
9* 


102 


JESSIE  MORRISON, 


ness  by  other  girls,  she  was  still  to 
them  spiteful  and  revengeful;  but  to 
Jessie,  who  had  found  the  key  which 
unlocked  her  heart,  she  was  docile,  af- 
fectionate, devoted. 

Having  had  the  character  of  a pest 
and  nuisance  so  long,  it  was  hard  for 
the  poor  child  to  obtain  credit  from 
any  of  the  girls  save  Jessie,  in  her  ef- 
forts for  amendment. 

“ Ileally,  Jessie,  I must  admire  your 
taste,”  said  Maria  Leslie;  “I  can’t 
imagine  what  you  see  in  that  ugly, 
swarthy  little  cripple,  to  make  such  a 
fuss  about.  I believe  that  her  dispo- 
sition is  as  crooked  as  her  body.  I 
think  that  she  is  perfectly  hateful.” 
That  is  exactly  the  reason,  Maria, 
why  I try  to  be  kind  to  her,  and  bear 
with  her.  She  has  no  personal  attrac- 
tion but  her  bright  black  eyes.  She 


OR  THE  MISSION  FLOWERS.  103 

is  a poor  afflicted  child,  with  a pecu- 
liarly unpleasant  disposition,  so  that 
no  body  loves  her ; hut  I have  found, 
Maria,  that  she  has  a warm  affection- 
ate heart,  and  I can  see  already,  that 
she  is  powerfully  influenced  by  love.” 
“ You  are  welcome  to  all  her  caresses, 
Jessie.  I would  as  willingly  be  kissed 
by  a monkey,  as  by  her.” 

‘‘  Oh  ! Maria,  dont  talk  so,  God  has 
made  her  thus,  and  we  should  pity, 
instead  of  ridiculing  her.” 

Do  as  you  choose,  Jessie,  but  don’t 
expect  me  to  be  kind  to  her.  I am  not 
so  deceitful.” 

Jessie’s  influence  was  on  the  increase ; 
the  poor  child  did  really  wish  to  be  bet- 
ter, but  her  old  habits  of  ill-nature  and 
falsehood  \vere  not  so  soon  conquered. 
In  return  for  Jessie’s  uniform  forbear- 
ance and  kindness,  Nettie’s  devotion 


104 


JESSIE  MORRISON, 


was  unbounded.  She  contended  that 
Jessie  was  the  prettiest,  and  sweetest, 
and  smartest  girl  in  school;  and  woe  to 
the  girl  that  ever  spoke  a word  against 
her  in  the  hearing  of  the  warm-hearted 
child  ! And  Jessie  well  deserved  her 
love;  she  aided  her  in  her  lessons, read 
the  Bible  to  her,  and  instructed  her, 
rubbed  her  poor  lame  back  when  she 
was  suffering,  and  in  every  way  en- 
deavoured to  exercise  a holy  influence 
over  the  aftlicted  child.  Frequently, 
when  Nettie  was  unable  to  take  exer- 
cise out  of  doors,  Jessie  would  remain 
with  her,  entertaining  her  with  pleas- 
ant chat,  and  interesting  stories;  and 
as  the  lame  child  had  to  spend  much 
of  her  time  in  the  house,  Jessie  taught 
her  many  useful  ways  of  emplo3ung 
her  time,  so  that  she  became  quite  a 
proficient  in  crochet- work,  and  different 


OR  THE  MISSION  FLOWERS. 


105 


moles  of  knitting.  As  her  aunt  kept 
her  well  supplied  with  worsted  and 
silk,  Jessie  must  have  a purse,  and  a 
hood,  a talma,  and  a scarf,  and  the 
busy  little  fingers  helped  to  keep  her 
spirit  cheerful,  while  working  indus- 
triously for  one  she  so  dearly  loved. 

If  she  had  an  apple,  or  a cake,  or 
any  little  delicacy,  she  could  never  en- 
joy it,  unless  Jessie  shared  it  with  her; 
and  her  friend  daily  found  that  the 
poor  child  had  really  fine  traits  of  char- 
acter, which  only  needed  proper  treat- 
ment to  bring  into  exercise.  Before 
she  came  to  Rockwood,  she  had  been 
in  the  habit  of  retiring  to  bed,  and  going 
about  her  daily  duties  without  prayer. 
She  neglected  her  Bible,  and  was 
brought  up  by  a worldly  aunt,  in  quite 
a heathen  manner ; but  now  the  good 
seed  seemed  to  be  taking  root.  She 


106 


JESSIE  MORRISON, 


was  very  attentive,  and  often  serious, 
when  Jessie  read  to  her,  frequently 
asking  questions,  was  faithful  in  her 
devotions,  and  exhibited  many  en- 
couraging marks  of  interest  in  sacred 
things.  Her  conduct  generally  was 
much  improved,  and  though  her  tem- 
per was  still  irritable,  she  endeavoured 
to  control  it,  and  often  did  succeed,  even 
under  powerful  temptations  to  anger. 
She  kept  close  to  Jessie,  for  she  really 
seemed  to  look  up  to  her  youthful 
guide  with  reverence.  Jessie  hoped 
that  the  Holy  Spirit  w^as  leading  her 
little  charge  into  all  truth,  and  was 
pleased  with  the  increasing  tenderness 
of  conscience  which  Nettie  daily  ex- 
hibited. 

Ever  since  Jessie  had  been  at  school, 
she  had  kept  up  a constant  and  affec- 
tionate correspondence  with  the  dear 


OR  THE  MISSION  FLOWERS.  107 

ones  at  home,  and  also  with  her  kind 
friend,  Mrs.  Thornton,  who  had  paid 
her  several  visits  at  Rockwood.  She 
was  delighted  to  hear  of  the  continued 
success  of  the  Missionary  flower-bed, 
and  much  excited  by  a late  letter  re- 
ceived from  her  dear  friend  and  Sab- 
bath-school teacher,  Miss  Ross,  who 
announced  her  intention  of  going  to 
India  as  a missionary  in  a very  few 
months.  She  was  about  to  marry  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Nelson,  and  was  now  making 
preparations  to  leave  America. 

Jessie  was  very  thoughtful  after  the 
receipt  of  this  letter,  the  old  desires 
of  former  years  visited  her  heart  once 
more,  but  with  increasing  power,  and 
she  felt  as  if,  some  day,  these  earnest 
longings  would  lead  her  at  last  to  a 
foreign  land.  Sometimes  she  commun- 
icated her  wishes  to  Miss  Lyman,  who 


108 


JESSIE  MORRISON, 


always  directed  her  to  ask  counsel  of 
the  Lord,  in  all  the  great  afi'airs  of 
life. 

Her  second  year  was  now  drawing 
to  a close.  At  the  next  vacation,  she 
was  to  return  home  to  visit  her  family, 
and  joyful  were  the  bright  anticipa- 
tions, with  which  she  looked  forward 
to  the  happy  day,  when  she  should 
again  he  folded  in  the  arms  of  her  dear 
parents. 

She  was  now  sixteen,  had  grown 
rapidly,  and  was  greatly  improved  in 
appearance.  She  had  made  excellent 
use  of  her  privileges,  and  would  take 
home  to  her  friends  a number  of  prizes, 
and  the  warmest  commendation  of  her 
faithful  and  affectionate  friend.  Miss 
Lyman. 


OR  THE  MISSION  FLOWERS.  109 


CHAPTEK  X. 

AFTER  VACATION. 

The  exercises  were  all  over,  and  many 
of  the  girls  had  departed.  Poor  little 
Nettie  clung  more  closely  to  Jessie,  as 
she  did  not  expect  to  go  home  this  va- 
cation. Her  spirits  were  very  low  at 
the  idea  of  parting  with  her  dear  friend, 
even  for  a few  weeks.  At  last  Mrs. 
Thornton  arrived.  Jessie  was  all  ready, 
and  took  leave  of  her  kind  friends  with 
grateful  affection.  As  Nettie  clung 
around  her  neck,  she  whispered,  ‘‘  Who 
will  love  and  guide  me  when  you  are 
gone  ?” 

“ Be  a good  girl,  Nettie,  love  Miss 

Lyman;  she  will  be  as  kind  a friend  to 
10 


110 


JESSIE  MORRISON, 


you,  as  she  has  been  to  me,  if  you  are 
only  obedient.” 

The  carriage  was  waiting  at  the  door, 
Jessie’s  trunks  were  all  strapped,  and 
with  a pleasant  smile  to  all  who  stood 
on  the  piazza  watching  the  party,  she 
sprang  in,  and  rapidly  drove  off. 

“Now  for  dear  Rose  Cottage;  when 
shall  we  be  there,  Mrs.  Thornton  ?” 

“ In  two  days,  my  dear.  How  your 
friends  wiU  be  surprised,  Jessie,  to  see 
the  change  which  has  taken  place  ! 
You  went  away  quite  a little  girl ; two 
years  have  changed  you  into  a young 
woman.” 

“ And  how  are  Effie,  and  Sandie, 
and  Robert?  I suppose  little  Mattie 
is  running  about,  and  talking  quite 
plain.  Dear  father  and  mother,  I can 
scarcely  wait  to  see  them.” 

At  the  close  of  the  second  day, 


I 


OR  THE  MISSION  FLOWERS.  Ill 


Robert  Morrison  was  waiting  at  the 
depot  with  his  little  wagon ; and  the 
moment  that  he  spied  Mrs.  Thornton,  he 
knew  that  the  fine  intelligent  looking  girl 
by  her  side,  was  his  darling  Jessie.  Re- 
gardless of  observation,  she  threw  her- 
self into  her  father’s  arms,  and  in  the  joy 
of  meeting  once  more,  the  pain  of  long 
absence  was  soon  forgotten. 

They  drove  rapidly  home.  Jessie 
could  not  restrain  her  tears  at  the 
sight  of  the  familiar  objects  which  met 
her  gaze ; and  when  the  wagon  stopped 
at  the  cottage  door,  and  old  Tray 
bounded  around  her  feet,  and  her  mo- 
ther clasped  her  daughter  in  speech- 
less jo3",  while  Effie,  Sandie,  Robert, 
and  little  Mattie,  all  received  her  with 
such  a heart- warm  welcome,  Jessie’s 
heart  was  full  of  happiness,  and  as  she 
looked  around,  with  eyes  brimful  of 


112 


JESSIE  MORRISON, 


tears,  she  said,  “ Dear,  dear  Rose  Cot- 
tage, how  sweet  it  looks!” 

She  had  left  in  May,  it  was  now  the 
first  of  April,  when  the  trees  were 
clad  in  vivid  green,  and  the  young  blos- 
soms were  bursting  in  all  their  fresh- 
ness and  beauty.  Her  first  visit  was 
to  the  garden,  where  early  spring 
flowers  were  just  beginning  to  bloom. 
She  had  left  Sandie’s  rose-bush  at 
llockwood,  as  she  expected  to  return 
for  another  }mar. 

When  he  pointed  to  the  one  which 
she  had  planted,  she  found  that  it  had 
grown  into  a very  large  bush,  and  in 
its  season  bloomed  abundantly. 

Turning  to  her  brother,  she  said, 
You  don’t  know  what  a comfort  the 
rose-bush  was  to  me  at  school.  I kept 
it  in  my  own  room,  and  many  an  even- 
ing when  I sat  there  alone,  it  used  to 


OR  THE  MISSION  FLOWERS.  113 

talk  so  sweetly  to  me  of  home,  and 
brother  Sandie,  that  it  seemed  almost 
like  one  of  our  own  famil}'-.” 

Sandie  gave  her  a full  account  of  the 
progress  of  their  Missionary  flowers, 
saying  that  last  season,  they  had  con- 
tributed one  hundred  dollars  to  the 
Lord’s  cause,  and  forty  for  “A  help 
to  father.” 

The  four  weeks  passed  rapidly  by ; 
Jessie  was  hailed  with  great  delight  by 
her  friend,  Miss  Ross,  and  dear  Mr. 
Gilbert.  During  her  stay,  her  teacher 
was  married,  and  sailed  for  India. 
Before  she  left,  a farewell  meeting  was 
held  at  their  church,  where  Mr.  Gilbert 
and  others  commended  their  cause  and 
themselves  to  the  care  of  a kind  heav- 
enly Father ; and  when  Jessie  saw  the 
feeling  exhibited  by  the  parents  of 

Miss  Ross,  when  they  bade  her  fare- 
10* 


114 


JESSIE  MORRISON, 


well,  she  wondered  whether  her  dear 
parents  would  ever  be  called  to  ex- 
perience a similar  trial. 

As  Mrs.  Nelson  bade  farewell  to 
Jessie,  she  whispered,  “Follow  me  to 
India,  Jessie ; it  would  be  delightful  to 
have  you  with  me  as  a teacher.” 

These  words  sank  deeply  in  her 
heart,  and  often,  in  her  musing  hours, 
she  recalled  the  sweet  impressive  mem- 
ory of  this  parting  charge. 

By  the  first  of  May,  Mrs.  Thornton 
conveyed  her  young  friend  once  more 
to  Rockwood  to  complete  her  studies. 

Nettie,  knowing  when  to  expect  her, 
was  standing  on  the  piazza,  anxiously 
watching  for  her  friend;  and  though 
she  could  not  run  to  meet  her,  she 
called  out,  “Dear  Jessie,  have  you 
come  again  ? Oh  ! how  glad  I am  ! I 
have  been  so  lonesome.” 


OR  THE  MISSION  FLOWERS.  115 

Miss  Lyman  embraced  her  beloved 
pupil,  and  joyfully  hailed  her  return, 
as  she  had  always  been  one  of  her 
greatest  comforts. 

Jessie  ran  up  to  her  room,  and  found 
that  Nettie  had  been  very  faithful  to 
her  rose-bush ; watering  it  daily,  and 
protecting  it  from  harm. 

This  was  a year  of  great  improve- 
ment to  Jessie ; at  its  close,  she  gradu- 
ated with  high  honours,  and  Miss  Ly- 
man had  seldom  parted  with  a pupil  of 
such  promise  as  Jessie  Morrison. 

Under  her  sweet  influence,  Nettie 
had  continued  to  exhibit  decided  evi- 
dences of  childish  piety,  and  even  those 
formerly  most  opposed  to  her,  ac-. 
knowledged  that  a great  change  had 
been  wrought  in  the  once  perverse 
child.  Under  the  influence  of  her  new 
character,  an  expression  of  gentleness, 


116 


JESSIE  MORRISON, 


and  a warm  glow  of  happiness  lighting 
up  her  bright  eyes,  made  even  little 
Nettie  sometimes  look  pretty;  for,  after 
all,  expression  of  the  heart’s  loveli- 
ness is  real  beauty. 

When  she  came  to  take  leave  finally 
of  Jessie,  her  poor  little  heart  was  al- 
most broken,  for  she  was  sure  that  none 
would  love  her  as  well  as  her  dear 
friend ; but  it  was  some  comfort  to 
know  that  her  aunt  lived  in  the  sub- 
urbs of  the  city,  near  Jessie’s  home, 

and  that  when  she  returned  to  N , 

she  would  see  her  friend  frequently, 
and  perhaps  attend  the  same  Sabbath- 
school. 

Miss  Lyman  had  become  very  much 
attached  to  little  lame  Nettie,  and  see- 
ing the  impression  made  upon  her  by 
Jessie’s  management,  took  her  es- 
pecially under  her  own  care,  placing 


OR  THE  MISSION  FLOWERS.  117 

her  in  a single  bed  in  her  own  room, 
and  endeavouring,  as  much  as  possible, 
to  supply  to  her  the  place  of  Jessie 
Morrison. 

Jessie’s  return  was  a most  joyful 
occasion  at  home.  Soon  she  resumed 
her  usual  occupations,  took  a class  in 
the  Sabbath-school,  and  became  one  of 
the  most  useful,  and  devoted,  among 
the  labourers  in  the  blessed  field.  She 
still  cultivated  and  sold  her  flowers, 
and  the  fruits  of  their  humble  efforts 
were  gathered  in  future  years  of  abund- 
ant harvest. 

None  were  more  successful  than 
Jessie,  as  a Sabbath-school  teacher. 
Untiring  in  her  efforts,  self-denying 
and  prayerful,  blessed  results  followed 
her  labours,  and  several,  by  her  earnest 
prayers  and  consistent  example,  were 


118  JESSIE  MORRISON, 

led  into  the  fold  of  the  blessed  Re- 
deemer. 

Another  year  passed  away.  Sweet 
and  holy  w\as  the  influence  of  the 
youthful  disciple;  though  her  origin 
was  so  humble,  she  Avas  universally 
respected  for  her  consistent  and  in- 
telligent piety ; and  Mrs.  Thornton 
Avatched  her  ripening  character  with 
the  deepest  interest. 

One  morning,  when  Jessie  presented 
herself  before  her  class,  whom  should 
she  see,  sparkling  and  glowing  with  de- 
light, but  little  Nettie  Moore,  who  rose 
to  meet  her  darling  friend. 

“ Where  did  you  come  from,  Nettie  ?” 
inquired  her  friend. 

“ 1 have  just  returned  from  school, 
and  when  I asked  my  aunt  to  let  me 
come  to  Sabbath-school,  at  first  she 
laughed  at  me,  and  said  that  none  but 


OR  THE  MISSION  FLOIVERS.  119 

poor  children  came ; but  when  I coaxed 
her  very  hard,  she  consented,  saying 
that  1 might  do  as  I pleased,  and  I 
hurried  off  this  morning,  in  company 
with  a little  girl,  who  lives  near  us, 
and  comes  here  to  Sabbath-school,  and 
here  I am  once  more,  and  so  happy.” 

“ Nettie,  I am  really  very  glad  to 
see  you ; it  has  been  a whole  year  since 
we  parted,  and  you  have  grown  a great 
deal.  Do  you  expect  to  go  back 
again  ?” 

“ I do  not;  my  back  is  a great  deal 
better,  and  I can  walk  now.  My  aunt 
is  going  to  send  me  to  school  in  the 
city ; so  dear  Miss  Morrison,  I can  be 
your  Sunday  scholar.  1 shall  be  so 
happy. 

Jessie  was  pleased  to  have  her  warm- 
hearted little  friend  once  more  under 


120 


JESSIE  MORRISON, 


her  care,  and  found  that  the  new  mo- 
tives of  action,  which  she  had  hoped 
began  to  operate  in  school,  were  now 
ripening  into  principles.  Even  Nettie’s 
aunt,  who  was  a very  worldly  woman, 
acknowledged  that  she  was  greatly 
changed,  since  she  had  been  away  from 
home ; but  she  attributed  it  to  her 
own  superior  sagacity,  in  discovering 
that  a boarding  school  was  the  only 
place  for  such  a wilful  child. 

In  the  meanwhile,  our  young  friend 
was  rapidly  growing  in  grace ; consist- 
ent at  home,  her  example  was  of  a 
very  influential  character,  and  Mr.  Gil- 
bert looked  upon  her,  and  loved  her,  as 
one  of  the  most  useful  members  of  his 
church. 

The  “Missionary  Flowers  ” still  of- 
fered them  abundant  means  of  useful- 


OR  THE  MISSION  FLOWERS.  121 


ness,  and  Jessie  felt  that  she  could 
never  be  grateful  enough  to  her  father, 
for  the  kind  thought  which  had  first  sug- 
gested this  humble  means  of  blessing  so 
many. 

11 


122 


JESSIE  MORRISON, 


CHAPTER  XI. 

LEAVING  ALL  TO  FOLLOW  JESUS. 

Jessie  corresponded  regularly  with 
Mrs.  Nelson,  and  the  accounts  which 
she  received  of  missionary  life  increas- 
ed her  desire  to  devote  herself  to  that 
blessed  work.  She  read  all  that  she 
could  find  concerning  India,  but  as  no 
very  marked  indication  of  God  s will 
was  manifest  as  yet,  she  talked  very 
little,  but  prayed  much  upon  the  sub- 
ject. 

In  about  two  years  after  Mrs'  Nel- 
son’s departure,  information  was  re- 
ceived, that  as  her  health  had  sufiered 
much  from  the  climate,  it  was  deemed 
advisable  for  her  to  return  to  her  own 


OR  THE  MISSION  FLOWERS.  123 

country,  to  recruit  her  exhausted  en- 
ergies ; therefore,  her  friends  were  told 
to  expect  her  in  the  following  Autumn. 

Accordingly  late  in  October,  she  ar- 
rived, very  much  altered,  sallow  and 
thin ; the  climate  had  made  great  in- 
roads upon  her  constitution. 

Jessie  visited  her  frequently,  and 
was  never  tired  of  hearing  accounts  of 
the  manners  and  customs  of  that  hea- 
then land,  and  of  the  children  who  had 
been  gathered  into  the  Mission  schools. 

Mrs.  Nelson  frequently  spoke  of  the 
death  of  teachers,  stating  that  there 
were  many  who  would  come  to  their 
schools,  if  there  were  only  more  la- 
bourers. 

Jessie  ventured,  on  one  occasion,  to 
speak  of  her  long  cherished  desires. 

“ Shall  I tell  you,  Mrs.  Nelson,  that 
for  four  years,  this  has  been  the  great 


124 


JESSIE  MORRISON, 


wish  of  my  life,  that  I might  be  per- 
mitted, at  some  future  day,  to  labour 
in  this  field  for  my  Saviour  ?” 

“ Jessie,  I have  always  hoped  that 
God  would  send  you  to  me,  and  now 
it  does  appear,  as  if  he  were  making 
the  way  plain  before  your  face.  With- 
out your  knowledge,  Mrs.  Thornton 
placed  you  where  you  could  best  be 
qualified  for  such  a life.  Your  sister  is 
now  at  home  with  your  mother,  the 
field  is  white  to  the  harvest,  I am 
just  in  need  of  such  a help  as  you 
would  be  to  me  in  my  school  in  India, 
and  being  under  our  care,  your  parents 
would  more  willingly  give  you  up  to 
the  Lord.  Let  us  pray,  dear  Jessie, 
for  Divine  guidance.” 

After  careful  self-examination,  and 
frequent  consultations  with  Mr.  Gil- 
bert and  Mrs.  Thornton,  and  after 


OR  THE  MISSION  FLOWERS.  125 

earnest,  believing  prayer,  Jessie  was 
convinced  that  duty  called  her  to  this 
distant  field,  and  Mr.  Gilbert  was  re- 
quested to  break  the  subject  to  her  pa- 
rents. 

Instead  of  being  startled  at  the 
proposition,  Mr.  Morrison  replied,  “ I 
am  not  surprised,  Mr.  Gilbert,  at 
your  suggestion,  for  I have  long  had  a 
silent  conviction,  that  our  Lord  de- 
signed our  darling  Jessie  for  great  use- 
fulness; and  what  am  I,  poor  sinful 
man,  that  He  should  so  honour  me,  as 
to  use  a child  of  mine  in  such  a glori- 
ous service?  So  far  from  objecting, 
although  I love  my  dear  child  with  a 
father’s  warmest  love,  I willingly  resign 
her  to  the  Saviour  who  died  for  her, 
if  he  has  work  for  her  in  that  distant 
land.  I have  nothing  to  sa}%  only  Lord 

take  her,  and  make  her  a burning  and 
II* 


126  JESSIE  MORRISON, 

a sliining  light  in  that  land  of  dark- 
ness.” 

Mrs.  Morrison  sympathized  entirely 
with  her  husband,  and  these  devoted 
Christians  willingly  laid  their  dear 
child  on  the  altar,  esteeming  the  sacri- 
fice small  for  One  who  had  laid  down 
his  blessed  life  for  them. 

When  her  application  was  laid  before 
the  Missionary  Board,  Miss  Lyman’s 
notes,  so  carefully  preserved,  were  con- 
clusive as  to  her  eminent  qualifications ; 
and  the  universal  testimony  of  her 
pastor,  and  other  Christian  friends,  led 
the  Board  to  hope  that  they  had  se- 
cured a valuable  labourer  in  the  field 
of  missions. 

During  this  year,  Jessie  was  daily 
employed  in  a course  of  study,  such  as 
Mrs.  Nelson  was  ((ualified  to  conduct, 
and  as  she  was  well  acquainted  with 


OR  THE  MISSION  FLOWERS.  127 

the  Hindoo  language,  she  was  a compe- 
tent teacher  for  a very  apt  and  indus- 
trious scholar. 

Mrs.  Nelson’s  health  rapidly  im- 
proved, and  at  the  close  of  the  year, 
she  was  so  much  better,  that  it  was 
deemed  proper  that  she  should  return 
to  her  field  of  labour. 

The  time  arrived  for  their  departure  ; 
all  the  necessary  preparations  being 
made,  the  farewell  meeting  was  held  at 
Mr.  Gilbert’s  church.  When  he  looked 
upon  the  youthful  missionary,  his  mind 
went  back  to  the  period,  when  she  pre- 
sented her  first  offering  to  the  Lord, 
entitled  “ Missionary  Flowers and  he 
remembered  how  the  name  had  struck 
him,  as  perhaps  indicative  of  the  fu- 
ture course  of  the  young  girl;  he 
remembered  how  earnestly  he  had 
prayed,  that  the  sweet  flower  of  her 


128 


JESSIE  MORRISON, 


own  youth,  should  be  the  Lord’s  ; now, 
he  thanked  God  for  this  answer  to  his 
humble  prayer,  and  took  encourage- 
ment for  the  future. 

It  was  a melting  season  ; for  all  who 
knew  her,  loved  Jessie  Morrison  ; and 
though  her  parents  willingl}^  resigned 
her,  some  natural  tears  must  fall,  when 
the}^  realized  that  perhaps,  in  this  world, 
they  never  might  see  their  Jessie  again. 
Mrs.  Thornton,  though  seeing  the  ful- 
filment of  her  long  cherished  hopes, 
had  not,  until  now,  realized  how  ten- 
derly she  loved  her  young  charge,  and 
found  it  difficult  to  suppress  the  rising 
feeling  of  regret,  at  parting  with  her 
beloved  child  ; still  Christian  faith  tri- 
umphed, and  she  rejoiced  that  she  had 
been  the  instrument  of  sending  out 
such  a promising  young  servant,  into 
the  vineyard  of  the  Lord. 


• OR  THE  MISSION  FLOWERS.  129 

Miss  Lyman  also  was  present  on 
this  occasion,  and  blessed  God  for  the 
realization  of  her  earnest  desires  for 
Jessie  Morrison ; and  little  warm- 
hearted Nettie  was  one  of  the  most 
deeply  affected  spectators;  her  poor 
little  heart  almost  bursting  with  sor- 
row at  the  thought  of  losing  her  dear 
teacher. 

After  the  meeting,  Jessie  tried  to 
comfort  her,  telling  her  that  many 
were  willing  to  labour  at  home,  but 
few  who  seemed  called  to  labour  in 
the  Lord’s  vineyard  in  foreign  lands, 
and  that  she  ought  to  be  willing  to 
give  up  one  she  loved  for  Jesus’  sake. 

We  must  not  suppose  that  this  rend- 
ing of  domestic  ties  cost  Jessie  nothing;' 
she  loved  her  home,  her  parents,  her 
brothers  and  sisters,  and  her  friends. 
Every  tree,  and  bush,  and  flower  were 


130 


JESSIE  MORRISON, 


cherished  objects  of  affection,  hut  she 
loved  Jesus  more,  and  having  given  up 
all,  she  was  willing  to  take  up  her 
cross,  and  follow  her  Lord  “ through 
evil,  as  well  as  good  report through 
poverty  and  privation,  as  well  as 
through  ease  and  comfort. 

When  the  hour  came  to  say  farewell, 
Sandie’s  grief,  especiall}'',  almost  over- 
powered poor  Jessie.  Her  parents  were 
sustained  in  the  parting  scene,  and 
could  still  say,  ‘‘  Lord,  she  is  thine, 
take  her  for  thy  service.” 

As  Jessie  turned  away  from  the 
home  of  her  youth,  she  gazed  mourn- 
fully out  of  the  window,  as  long  as  she 
could  see  her  beloved  Rose  Cottage, 
and  realized  something  of  the  bitter- 
ness of  leaving,  perhaps  for  ever,  ob- 
jects so  long  and  tenderly  cherished. 

In  company  with  Mrs.  Nelson,  and 


OR  THE  MISSION  FLOWERS.  131 


several  other  missionaries,  she  set  sail 
for  Calcutta,  and  as  her  native  shores 
receded  from  her  sight,  she  felt  that, 
sustained  by  divine  grace,  she  could 
sing : 

“Jesus,  I my  cross  have  taken, 

All  to  leave  and  follow  thee. 

Naked,  poor,  despised,  forsaken, 

Thou  henceforth  my  all  shalt  be.” 

The  voyage  was  long,  but  Jessie 
busily  occupied  herself  in  the  study 
of  the  language,  having  pursued  it  for 
one  year  before  leaving  home.  By  the 
time  of  her  arrival,  she  understood  it 
well  enough  to  teach.  At  the  close  of 
the  fourth  month,  they  entered  the  Bay 
of  Bengal ; passing  by  the  beautiful 
island  of  Ceylon,  she  was  struck  with 
the  richness  and  beauty  of  its  natural 
productions,  and  as  she  advanced  up 
the  bay,  her  whole  attention  was  en- 


132 


JESSIE  MORRISON, 


grossed ; every  thing  was  so  new,  so 
strange,  so  entirely  different  from  all 
that  she  had  ever  seen  or  imagined. 

The  sight  of  the  Hindoo  temples, 
meeting  her  at  every  point,  filled  her 
heart  with  tender  compassion  for  the 
benighted  heathen,  who  there  bowed 
in  blindness  to  dumb  idols. 

The  contrast  between  the  brilliant 
scenes  which  bloomed  around  her,  in 
the  magnificent  foliage,  and  superb 
flowers  of  that  oriental  land,  and  the 
deep  degradation  and  idolatry  which 
enslaved  the  immortal  soul,  filled  her 
with  indescribable  emotions ; and  her 
young  heart  sent  up  earnest  prayers, 
that  God  would  bless  her  feeble  efforts, 
in  making  known  the  precious  tidings 
of  a Saviour’s  love. 

When  they  drew  near  Calcutta, 
boats  filled  with  natives  came  out  to 


OR  THE  MISSION  FLOWERS.  133 

meet  their  vessel,  and  as  Jessie  gazed 
upon  their  swarthy  countenances,  her 
heart  was  drawn  out  at  once  towards 
them,  in  feelings  of  deepest  compas- 
sion, and  Christian  love. 

They  were  hailed  with  great  joy  by 
the  Mission  family,  who  looked  with 
deep  gratitude  upon  the  little  band  of 
five  more  missionaries,  added  to  their 
number. 

The  first  few  days  were  occupied  in 
visiting  different  places  of  interest  in 
Calcutta.  In  every  direction,  Jessie’s 
heart  was  pained  by  the  sight  of  idols 
of  gold,  silver,  and  clay,  not  only  in 
the  temples,  but  in  the  streets  for  sale, 
in  private  houses,  everywhere  calling 
upon  Christians  to  elevate  the  standard 
of  the  Lord,  in  this  strong  hold  of  the 
“Prince  of  darkness.” 

When  Jessie  looked  upon  the  swarm- 
12 


134 


JESSIE  MORRISON, 


ing  multitudes  of  heathen,  with  their 
countless  temples,  and  their  disgusting 
rites  of  idolatry,  and  then  turned  to 
the  little  band  of  disciples  among  all 
this  dark  dominion,  her  heart  almost 
sank  within  her ; but  when  she  re- 
membered how  the  walls  of  Jericho 
fell  before  the  Lord,  by  the  simple 
blowing  of  a few  rams’  horns,  when 
she  thought  of  the  little  band  of  twelve 
disciples  filling  the  world  with  the 
doctrines  of  the  cross,  she  closed  the 
eye  of  sense  upon  the  dismal  scene, 
and  looking  upon  it  with  an  eye  of 
faith,  she  rejoiced  in  the  certain  down- 
fall of  this  dark  idolatry,  and  blessed 
God  for  sending  her,  as  one  of  his 
feeble  instruments  in  hastening  on  the 
latter  day  of  glory.  Already  she  saw 
in  the  distance,  the  destruction  of  Hin- 
doo temples,  the  vanishing  of  idols, 


OR  THE  MISSION  FLOWERS. 


135 


and  where  now  naught  was  seen  but 
the  dark  signs  of  heathenism,  in  their 
place  erected  the  glorious  standard  of 
the  cross,  with  thousands  of  converted 
souls  bowing  beneath  its  power. 

In  a short  time,  she  was  placed  in 
Mrs.  Nelson’s  school,  having  the  charge 
of  a class  of  twenty  Hindoo  children. 
They  were  both  ignorant  and  stupid, 
but  she  realized  that  they  were  im- 
mortal, besotted  heathen,  and  with 
simple,  earnest  faith,  she  laboured  pa- 
tiently, assured  that  God,  in  his  own 
good  time,  would  give  his  blessing. 

After  these  days  of  toil  in  a very 
hot  climate,  sweet  was  the  evening 
gathering  of  the  Mission  family  in 
their  happy  home.  Never  had  Jessie 
experienced  more  of  the  preciousness 
of  communion  with  God,  than  when  in 
this  land  of  superstition,  this  little  band 


136  JESSIE  MORRISON, 

could  gather  around  their  Saviour,  and 
realize  his  blessed  presence. 

The  family  consisted  of  three  mis- 
sionaries and  their  wives,  Jessie,  and 
Miss  Nelson,  sister  of  the  missionary, 
four  little  children,  and  four  Hindoo 
servants. 

When  the  time  arrived  for  the  jour- 
ney of  the  car  of  Juggernaut,  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Nelson  took  Jessie  and  Miss 
Nelson  with  them  to  witness  this  dark 
procession,  in  order  that  their  hearts 
might  be  still  more  deeply  affected  by 
a sense  of  the  degradation  and  misery 
which  prevailed  everywhere.  It  was 
a hideous  spectacle,  and  the  frantic 
yells  uttered  by  the  wretched  devotees^ 
added  to  the  horrors  of  the  scene. 


OR  THE  MISSION  FLOWERS.  137 


CHAPTER  XII. 

LIFE  IN  INDIA. 

After  this  journey,  Jessie  wrote  the 
following  letter  to  her  brother : 

Calcutta,  Dec.  18 — . 

Dear  Sandie, — It  is  now  six  o’clock 
in  the  evening ; with  you  it  is  six  in 
the  morning.  I suppose  that  you  are 
now  preparing  for  breakfast,  and  I feel 
that  I am  always  remembered  in  the 
hour  of  family  devotion.  I watch 
these  returning  periods  in  this  distant 
land,  and  when  I think  my  father  is 
praying  for  me,  I join  in  these  pe- 
titions, if  it  be  only  a feeble  ejacula- 
tion shot  quickly  up  to  Heaven,  some- 
12* 


138  JESSIE  MORRISON, 

times  in  the  midst  of  my  duties  at 
school. 

What  a blessed  privilege  is  this 
communion  of  saints!  How  it  unites 
our  hearts,  though  continents  and 
oceans  separate  our  bodies!  I often 
visit  your  rose-bush,  dear  Sandie,  and 
as  I used  to  do  in  days  of  childhood,  I 
kiss  it,  and  talk  to  it  still,  because  it 
always  represents  my  darling  brother. 

I have  so  much  to  say  that  1 scarcely 
know  where  to  begin,  but  this  much  I 
can  say,  each  day  that  I live,  I am 
more  deeply  convinced  that  I am  just 
where  I ought  to  be,  and  where  I can 
most  effectually  promote  my  Hedeeni- 
er’s  kingdom,  in  one  of  the  very  dark- 
est parts  of  Satan’s  cruel  dominions. 

I can  scarcely  give  you  any  idea, 
Sandie,  of  the  rich  beauty  which  every- 
where adorns  the  face  of  nature,  the 


OR  THE  MISSION  FLOWERS.  139 

most  superb  flowers,  and  magnificent 
trees,  in  fact  every  thing  to  please  the 
eye  of  taste ; nor  can  I pretend  to  give 
you  any  idea  of  the  deep  misery  and 
dark  idolatry  which  everywhere  pre- 
vail. The  gorgeous  temples  are  crowd- 
ed with  benighted  worshippers,  the 
houses  are  filled  with  heathen  idols; 
and,  would  you  believe  it,  Sandie  ? 
English  vessels  actually  bring  out  from 
London,  cargoes  of  idols,  manufactured 
there,  and  brought  here  as  articles  of 
merchandize!  Will  not  God  visit  a 
professedly  Christian  nation  for  such 
iniquity  ? 

Miss  Nelson  and  I were  walking  on 
the  banks  of  the  Ganges  a few  even- 
ings since,  when  we  witnessed  what 
we  have  so  often  read  of.  We  saw 
several  women  coming  in  the  distance, 
with  smiling  infants  in  their  arms ; as 


140 


JESSIE  MORRISON, 


they  drew  near,  we  saw  the  little 
things  clinging  to  their  mothers’  necks, 
and  some  of  them  playing  with  their 
hair,  and  gazing  with  their  innocent 
eyes  upon  the  hard  faces  of  their  hea- 
then parents,  bent  upon  the  cruel  sacri- 
fice of  their  own  offspring.  They  were 
making  a hideous  noise,  and  as  they 
approached,  we  felt  as  if  we  must 
rush  forward,  and  implore  them  to  do 
these  innocents  no  harm ; but  while 
we  stood  watching  the  fearful  scene, 
simultaneously  they  threw  the  poor  in- 
fants into  the  dark  river.  Several 
came  to  the  surface  two  or  three  times, 
then  sank  to  rise  no  more;  but  one 
poor  little  thing  was  instantly  caught 
up  by  one  of  the  crocodiles,  which  are 
alwaj'^s  watching  for  prey.  It  was  aw- 
ful to  see  the  mothers  turn  away  un- 
moved, but  I could  follow  the  babes  to 


OR  THE  MISSION  FLOWERS.  141 

that  place  beneath  the  throne,  Avhere 
they  have  joined  the  slaughtered  in- 
nocents of  other  centuries.  At  least  for 
this  portion  of  heathendom,  through 
the  blessed  Redeemer,  we  have  hope. 

Last  week  we  witnessed  the  bloody 
procession  of  the  dreadful  car  of  Jug- 
gernaut. Mr.  and  Mrs.  Nelson  took 
their  sister  and  me  to  one  of  the  points 
through  which  it  passed.  I shall  never 
forget  the  scene  ; many  poor  deluded 
victims  of  superstition  rushed  forward 
like  maniacs,  and  threw  themselves 
beneath  the  ponderous  wheels  to  be 
crushed,  staining  the  road  over  which 
the  car  rolled  so  heavily,  with  the 
blood  of  their  mangled  bodies. 

There  are  days  devoted  to  especial 
heathen  rites,  when  it  is  not  proper 
for  a delicate  female  to  be  seen  out  of 


142  JESSIE  MORRISON, 

doors  ; so  disgusting  are  some  of  their 
horrid  ceremonies. 

Oh  ! Sandie,  these  are  indeed  the 
dominions  of  the  “ Prince  of  darkness,” 
but  they  are  doomed  to  fall  beneath 
the  power  of  the  all  conquering  cross. 
How  long,  0 Lord!  how  long  shall 
this  dark  reign  continue  ? 

How  inexpressibly  precious  are  our 
Christian  privileges  in  this  heathen 
land  1 How  sweet  the  hours  when  we 
meet  our  blessed  Lord  ! 

I am  busily  engaged  in  teaching 
daily  a class  of  twenty  Hindoo  chil- 
dren, both  male  and  female.  They  are 
very  ignorant  and  stupid,  but  I think 
I see  some  improvement.  I also  teach 
a class  of  Hindoo  women  every  Sab- 
bath, who  are  very  anxious  to  learn 
how  to  read. 

We  have  a Hindoo  servant  that  inter- 


OR  THE  MISSION  FLOWERS.  143 

ests  me  deeply.  His  name  is  Gopal. 
He  attends  upon  our  services  regularly. 
He  has  learned  how  to  read  the  Gospel 
of  John  very  rapidly,  and  often  comes 
to  me  after  I come  home  from  school, 
to  teach  him,  and  explain  the  meaning 
of  the  Gospel.  He  is  the  most  prom- 
ising Hindoo  that  I have  met.  We  all 
think  him  uncommonly  intelligent,  and 
very  anxious  to  learn.  He  is  dissatis- 
fied with  idolatry,  and  though  he  still 
has  his  little  god,  I do  not  think  that 
he  worships  it  as  devoutly,  as  when  he 
first  came ; he  seems  very  unhappy. 

Dec.  30th, — 1 am  writing  this  letter 
to  be  ready  for  the  first  opportunity 
that  offers ; consequently  you  see  dif- 
ferent dates.  Gopal  continues  to  visit 
me  privately ; he  seems  mild  and  teach- 
able, asks  me  a great  many  questions 
about  the  Lord  Jesus.  He  says  that 


144 


JESSIE  MORRISON, 


he  feels  he  is  a sinner,  and  that  heathen 
gods  have  never  done  him  any  good ; 
he  wants  to  know  the  truth,  his  faith  in 
his  gods  is  shaken ; he  is  without  hope, 
and  yet  afraid  to  become  a Christian, 
on  account  of  the  dreadful  system  of 
caste,  which  here  prevails.  He  will  be 
an  outcast  from  his  family,  and  an  ob- 
ject of  cruel  persecution,  if  he  renoun- 
ces idolatry. 

Jan.  10th, — Gopal  follows  me  con- 
stantly, will  do  any  thing  for  me. 
His  affection  is  very  touching.  To-day 
he  came  in  tears,  “ Oh ! missy,  what 
shall  me  do  ? Me,  a poor  lost  sinner,  me 
want  to  find  the  good  Lord  Jesus.” 

Do  you  pray  to  your  gods  any 
more,  Gopal  ?”  “ Oh  ! no,  missy,  they 
no  hear  me,  the}--  do  my  poor  soul  no 
good,  I throw  them  all  away.” 

Sandie,  you  can  easily  imagine  how 


\ 

OR  THE  MISSION  FLOWERS.  145 

I felt  when  talking  to  the  poor  Hindoo. 
I directed  him,  as  well  as  I knew  how, 
to  “ the  Lamb  of  God,  that  taketh 
away  the  sins  of  the  world  and  look- 
ing at  me,  while  tears  streamed  down 
his  swarthy  cheeks,  he  said,  “I  believe 
that  Jesus  is  my  only  Saviour;  will  he 
save  poor  lost  Gopal  ?” 

He  receives  the  gospel  with  all  the 
simplicity  of  a little  child,  but  I trem- 
ble for  the  trial  of  his  faith  that  is  yet 
before  him.  Let  us  pray  that  it  fail  not. 

Jan.  15th, — Mr.  Nelson  has  carefully 
examined  Gopal,  and  believing  him  to 
be  a real  subject  of  divine  grace,  to- 
morrow he  is  to  be  baptized  in  com- 
pany with  another  convert.  When 
this  becomes  known,  he  will  be  exposed 
to  dreadful  persecution,  but  I believe 
that  he  will  remain  steadfast. 

Jan.  18th, — On  Sunday  last,  Gopal 
13 


146 


JESSIE  MORRISON, 


was  baptized.  His  deportment  is  hum- 
ble, prayerful,  consistent.  During  the 
ceremony,  I saw  two  or  three  swarthy 
countenances  scowling  in  at  the  win- 
dow. 1 suppose  that  they  were  his 
parents,  for  in  the  evening  they  came, 
and  with  volleys  of  abuse,  commanded 
him  to  return  home,  but  he  firmly  re- 
fused to  go ; whereupon  they  pronoun- 
ced upon  him  the  most  bitter  curses, 
and  for  that  evening  retired. 

On  the  following  evening  Gopal  went 
outside  of  the  grounds  for  a few  min- 
utes, when  a company  of  his  relatives, 
who  had  been  watching  for  him,  laid 
hold  of  him,  beat  him  most  unmerci- 
fully, and  were  about  cutting  out  his 
tongue,  when  Mr.  Nelson  heard  the 
uproar,  and  hastening  out,  with  the 
help  of  the  male  missionaries,  and  the 
other  servants,  succeeded  in  rescuing 


OR  THE  MISSION  FLOWERS.  147 

him  from  their  cruel  hands,  and  brought 
him  in  all  mangled  and  bleeding  from 
the  injuries  received.  The  forgiving 
temper  manifested  by  poor  Gopal  con- 
vinces us  of  the  reality  of  his  conver- 
sion. He  is  more  intelligent  than  any 
of  his  class,  and  we  hope  much  from 
his  anxiety  to  benefit  his  benighted 
brethren.  I feel,  dear  Sandie,  that  I 
am  not  labouring  in  vain,  and  would 
add  that  all  my  class  of  women  can 
read  the  Gospel,  and  that  most  of  my 
day  scholars  can  read  also.  If  1 only 
succeed  in  that,  it  will  be  one  step  to- 
wards bringing  them  acquainted  with 
the  good  tidings  of  the  gospel.  Mr. 
Nelson  tells  me  that  it  is  time  to  close 
my  letter,  as  the  vessel  sails  to-morrow. 

Give  my  love  to  my  dearest  parents  ; 
say  that  my  heart  longs  for  a sight  of 
their  dear  faces,  but  that  I have  never 


148 


JESSIE  MORRISON, 


for  one  moment  regretted  my  sacrifice 
in  leaving  them. 

I have  sent  mother  a beautiful  fan, 
father  a copy  of  the  gospel  in  the  Hin- 
doo language,  and  a likeness  of  Jessie 
in  her  school;  also  some  very  choice 
flower-seeds,  which  perhaps  might  grow 
in  my  sweet  bed  at  home. 

It  was  a pleasant  thought  to  devote 
the  money  raised  there  to  Jessie’s 
school  in  a heathen  land.  I shed  tears 
of  grateful  joy  when  I received  it. 

There  are  some  little  gifts  all  marked 
for  Sandie,  Effie,  Robert,  and  little 
Mattie.  I have  written  to  Mrs.  Thorn- 
ton, and  Miss  Lyman,  and  sent  some- 
thing also  to  them.  Mr.  Gilbert  will 
receive  a box  of  idols  which  have  been 
worshipped  in  the  heathen  land.  When 
shown  in  the  Sabbath-school,  I think 
that  they  will  understand  what  idola- 


Jessie  teaching  the  young  Hindoos. 


p.  14S. 


f i «r  /w 

i-wt  '•(•■yiM 
n'*'  «i  wtH 

. •:yr'i  fe»<4j 

5.  ■ ■■  ' 


,>  ' V •"  ■ i ' , ■ ^ ' 

■ M'  ' ■'■  '■■--•-»  \4  ^ 

■*;  'inati  , •■  'I  ' '<•  '??*  ' ' '* 

. ' ■ I'-.,.1I»-'.1'  '.■■•  l-t  - ■ 


>'■•■■  ■ ( 'J-u  .»■■  ► . '«  ■ : 1-' 

■ Mv  . ■ .'1*' 

:■  -,■"!■■>  ■■«-  ■■  , 

' .y  : .yjsti’' 


, .''Jiff  <•  -<: 

; M,-. 


OR  THE  MISSION  FLOWERS.  149 

try  really  teaches.  When  you  write 
again,  ask  father  if  he  will  not  send 
me  a family  group ; do  not  leave  out 
old  Tray. 

And  now,  dear  Sandie,  fxrewell  for  a 
time.  My  best  love  to  all  my  Christ- 
ian friends.  Tell  them  to  remember  con- 
stantly in  their  praj'ers,  their  humble 
missionary,  and  your  affectionate  sister, 
Jessie  Morrison, 

Jessie  heard  by  every  conveyance 
from  home,  and  many  comforts  and 
sweet  tokens  of  remembrance  glad- 
dened her  young  heart  in  her  distant 
home.  She  was  very  happy  in  ker  la- 
bours of  love.  The  children  of  her 
day-school  were  attracted  by  her  bright 
and  cheerful  spirit,  and  though  they 
caused  her  much  perplexity,  and  many 

trials  of  patience,  still  upon  the  whole, 
13* 


150  JESSIE  MORRISON, 

her  influence  was  steadily  on  the  in- 
crease. 

In  the  second  year,  her  health  began 
to  sulTer ; then  came  visitations  of  home- 
sickness, and  sometimes  in  her  hours 
of  debility,  she  longed  for  the  bosom 
of  her  mother,  where  she  might  for 
a while  rest  from  her  weary  toils. 

Believing  the  change  necessary,  Mr. 
Nelson  sent  her  for  a while  to  another 
station,  nearer  the  mountains,  where  the 
cooler  climate  would  recruit  her  ex- 
hausted energies.  Gopal  mourned  over 
the  absence  of  his  young  teacher,  but 
she  wrote  to  him  constantly,  and  re- 
joiced to  find  that  he  was  fitting  him- 
self for  a minister  to  his  benighted 
countrymen.  He  highly  valued  the 
friendship  of  our  young  disciple,  for  it 
was  chiefly  under  her  influence,  that 


OR  THE  MISSION  FLOWERS.  151 

he  was  led  to  renounce  his  idols,  and 
embrace  Christianity. 

At  the  close  of  a few  months,  when 
the  excessive  heat  at  Calcutta  had 
somewhat  subsided,  Jessie  returned  to 
her  post,  and  joyfully  resumed  her 
missionary  labours.  God  blessed  her 
humble  toil ; several  of  her  adult  class 
were  convinced  of  the  sin  of  idolatry, 
but  fearing  the  dread  results  of  apos- 
tasy, hesitated  for  some  time  ; but  un- 
der the  guidance  of  the  Holy  Spirit, 
were  strengthened  to  give  up  all  for 
Jesus,  and  Jessie  was  happy  in  these 
blessed  results.  At  the  next  season 
of  communion,  a few  more  Hindoo 
converts  sat  down  with  them  to  the 
table  of  the  Lord,  and  the  work  pros- 
pered around  them. 

After  due  preparation,  Gopal  was  or- 
dained as  a minister  of  the  Lord  Jesus. 


152 


JESSIE  MORRISON, 


He  manifested  much  talent,  and  the 
Mission  family  thought  that  a visit  to 
America  by  this  converted  Hindoo, 
might  do  much  for  their  cause ; there- 
fore, in  company  with  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Hobinson,  who  were  about  returning  to 
recruit  their  health,  Gopal  set  sail  for 
the  United  States. 

He  still  wore  his  Hindoo  dress,  and 
being  a fine  looking  young  man,  pre- 
sented quite  an  imposing  appearance. 
Having  improved  rapidly,  he  spoke  the 
English  language  well. 

Bringing  letters  to  Mr.  Gilbert,  they 
were  warmly  received  by  the  good 
man  and  his  people.  On  the  following 
Sunday  after  their  arrival,  Gopal  visit- 
ed Mr.  Gilbert’s  church. 

When  the  people  assembled,  seated 
in  the  pulpit,  by  the  side  of  their  pas- 
tor, they  beheld  a young  man  dressed 


OR  THE  MISSION  FLOWERS.  153 

in  the  garb  of  a Hindoo.  He  had  a 
swarthy  complexion,  but  there  glowed 
over  his  dark  features,  and  beamed 
from  his  black  eyes,  such  a bright  ex- 
pression of  warm  Christian  love,  as  be- 
spoke at  once  for  him  the  'deepest  in- 
terest in  the  message  he  was  about  to 
deliver.  As  he  stood  surveying  this 
Christian  assembly,  mighty  emotions 
seemed  struggling  for  utterance,  when 
he  addressed  the  congregation  : 

“ My  friends,  I have  come  from  a 
distant  land,  where  darkness  still  reigns. 
My  home  is  on  the  distant  plains  of 
Hindostan  ; there  in  my  youth,  I was 
taught  to  bow  down  to  idols  of  wood 
and  stone,  who  could  do  my  soul  no 
good.  I read  in  your  blessed  Bible, 
that  angels  are  sent  to  minister  to  the 
heirs  of  salvation,  and  it  sometimes 
seems  to  me,  as  if  there  are  still  some 


154 


JESSIE  MORRISON, 


on  the  earth,  who  in  human  form  still 
bless  the  world.  If  a messenger  is 
sometimes  styled  an  angel,  you  sent 
one  to  me.  Four  years  ago,  from  out 
this  church,  you  sent  a bright  eyed 
loving  Christian  to  our  land.  When  I 
was  a poor  benighted  heathen,  she 
came,  and  taking  my  dark  hand,  she 
asked  me  what  my  idols  had  ever  done 
for  my  soul,  and  then  she  spoke  of 
Jesus,  and  his  dying  love.  My  soul 
was  touched.  I studied  the  Gospel,  I 
believed  the  Gospel,  I threw  my  idols 
to  the  moles  and  the  bats.  I became  a 
Christian ; my  parents  cast  me  off ; my 
brothers  and  sisters  hated  me,  but  the 
friends  of  Jesus  loved  and  cherished 
poor  Gopal ; they  gave  me  a good  ed- 
ucation, and  I stand  before  you  to-day, 
a follower  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  ready  to 
preach  the  Gospel  of  the  Son  of  God 


OR  THE  MISSION  FLOWERS.  155 

to  the  benighted  heathen  in  distant 
India.  Will  you  not  help  us,  my 
friends  ? Your  own  young  missionary 
is  labouring  there  yet,  and  I stand 
here  to-day  to  bless  God  that  you  ever 
sent  Jessie  Morrison  to  India.” 

No  words  can  describe  the  effect  of 
this  speech  upon  the  congregation. 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Morrison,  with  Jessie’s 
brothers  and  sisters,  wept  tears  of  grat- 
itude and  joy;  and  Mrs.  Thornton, 
Jessie’s  faithful  friend,  lifted  up  her 
heart  in  fervent  thanksgiving,  that  she 
had  lived  to  see  this  blessed  day. 

There  are  many  little  missionaries 
needed  in  our  land.  First  give  your- 
selves, dear  children,  to  the  Lord,  and 
he  will  show  you  in  what  way  he 
wishes  you  to  serve  him. 

As  loving  and  obedient  children,  as 
kind  and  affectionate  brothers  and  sis- 


156  JESSIE  MORRISON, 

ters,  as  good  scholars  in  the  Sahhath- 
school,  Avhere  children  can  do  much  to 
serve  him,  you  may  all  glorify  his  holy 
name.  If  asked  tvliere  you  can  serve 
the  Lord  : let  it  he  answered  at  home, 
by  the  fireside,  in  school,  by  the  way- 
side  ; at  business,  or  at  play,  you  may 
all  be  little  missionaries  of  love  and 
kindness,  apostles  of  peace  and  gentle- 
ness, and  may  hasten  on  the  blessed 
reign  of  Jesus,  “ when  all  shall  know 
the  Lord,  from  the  least  unto  the  great- 
est and  when  the  knowledge  of  the 
Lord  shall  cover  the  earth,  as  the 
waters  cover  the  sea.” 


I 4fci«w»^  fir  •■  •f;l*wi -'r>*J 

i ♦!  Ibs-V'-  *-*»v-r  - . : ' :*  •■*  ^ r<> 

I 1||«i(  rr«^  .<*»»■  vw  ■ ■■•1» 

(jlVTwtt  t If-  ■!,  vrr»^' -r*  tt*>  •* -JJl  ^ I T‘ f * 
^ *1^  *•  ' •■'■’  ■'  * 

I •^JW'W'-*'  V.*  >.rtr*—  f'< 

f yi>(«  »»nv -Vf. ; f^-  -r--’:<-'  ''f- 

I fcitJ*  l?»  -l/t 

. > J%<*  . '4 

'Vi.  tf'v, 

^4e#»t4 

Crttt  -4..  e>ri»'  * t5cjjKJf*'<wlh  * > ’ fry 

m ■ • td^if  <#••••  ' 

0*  - .■  A < -Ml 


^ ] 


W 


% 


t 


# ' 

• ^ 


